Pusztai slams Novel Foods committee


15 June 1999


Pusztai slams Novel Foods committee

By Vicky Houchin

THE scientist sacked for revealing his research on genetically modified (GM) food before it had been reviewed by his colleagues has hit out at the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes.

Dr Arpad Pusztai, formerly of the Rowett Research Institute, claimed that the Committee accepted submissions by biotech companies which would not pass a proper scientific review.

Dr Arpad Pusztai said the biotechnology companies gave only the information on new crops that they could get away with.

“Most of the information I saw would not pass a proper review,” Dr Pusztai told FWi last night (Monday).

Dr Pusztai was sacked from the Rowett Research Institute after voicing his concerns about GM food on a television documentary. This followed research carried out using rats fed on GM potato. “Guinea pigs should be in the laboratory – not ourselves, he said.”

Dr Pusztai now plans to clear his name and release his report in the near future. He said that his paper has been under consideration by leading scientists since December and an announcement could be made soon.

Pressing home his attack on biotech companies, Dr Pusztai claimed that the only research group that was actually producing facts was at the Rowett Institute, and this was stopped.

“Where are the results, which groups will be doing this research and how will it be financed,” he asked.

Dr Pusztai said that he plans to start research again with a new team when funding is found. Meanwhile, there is still no evidence to support GMs, he added.

“They still dont produce evidence. And I am still concerned.”

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