Consumers are confused and concerned about genetically modified organisms, particularly as they apply to foods, because of "lack of clear, neutral information on the issue", according to Dr Patrick Wall of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
"With the many vested groups on both sides of the argument, consumers are in the middle where misinformation abounds," the FSAI chief executive told members of the Irish Food Writers' Guild yesterday.
He added: "Scare-mongering adds nothing to the debate and more participation by people holding the middle ground, rather than extreme views, would assist consumers develop a more informed position."
Food writers and scientifically-informed journalists were in a position to assist consumers in making up their minds, by providing neutral information, he said. The authority, for its part, was not a defender of GM foods or an advocate of "any cessation of the current use of [gene] technology on food safety grounds".
"The FSAI's scientific committee is satisfied that no genetically engineered product currently on the market in the EU is unsafe to eat," Dr Wall said. As its remit was food safety, it could consider environmental, ethical or trade concerns.
"Although we are satisfied on scientific grounds that no currently marketed GM food available poses health risks, this should not be interpreted as a blanket approval of all possible GM foods, or that we advocate the consumption of GM foods over unmodified varieties," he added.
The FSAI reserved the right to assess each new GM crop, as well as foods derived from these crops, on a case-by-case basis.
GM crop developers had shown their technology could reduce pesticide use. However, he acknowledged others were concerned about the technology's impact on bio-diversity and the risk of cross-pollination between GM crops and native plants. With such divergent opinion there was a need for open, informed debate.
The FSAI is to issue a report later this month which will fully evaluate safety issues associated with GM foods. This, Dr Wall said, was primarily to inform consumers.
