Expert's GM food claim to be reviewed

SIX leading British scientists have been asked to review the research of Dr Arpad Pusztai which led to a storm of controversy surrounding GM foods. The Royal Society, which includes the UK's most eminent scientists, is to examine his claims that GM food could damage immune systems.

And in an effort to ease consumer concerns about GM foods in the Republic, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said yesterday it would publish its verdict on GM foods at the end of April. The almost unprecedented move by the Royal Society to evaluate unpublished work will see specialists examine Dr Pusztai's work, which culminated in his warning that people who eat GM foods were "unwitting guinea pigs in a mass experiment." The six are experts in genetics, plant biology and toxicology who have not commented publicly on the controversy.

Last month, 20 international colleagues supported his findings - though independent evaluation since has been critical of the way the research was conducted. Dr Pusztai told a House of Commons committee this week his work justified concern about GM foods.

In a separate move, the Rowett Institute, where he worked, has warned MPs in a memorandum that GM foods and crops were not being properly tested though they could in theory pose a risk to human health.

Meanwhile, the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, has taken issue with a claim in The Irish Times that his consultation process on genetically modified organisms was seriously behind schedule when derailed recently by 19 non-governmental organisations who refused to take part in a national debate. "The process is only slightly behind schedule. It is not derailed by the actions of the NGOs."

He had suggested to the NGOs that they meet his officials to discuss how some of their concerns may be met. The process would continue with a view to completion by May. "It is designed to produce a report which will enable me to define a balanced and well-informed national policy on GMOs and the environment. It is essential that this should be available to me in advance of the next meeting of the Council of Environment Ministers on June 24th at which this will be discussed."