• The transposed gene may act differently when working within its new host
• The original genetic intelligence of the host will be disrupted
• The new combination of the host genes and the transposed gene will have unpredictable effects; and therefore.
• There is no way of knowing the overall, long-term effect of these foods on the health of those who eat them.

• Unnatural gene transfers from one species to another are dangerous. Biotechnology companies erroneously claim that their manipulations are similar to natural genetic changes or traditional breeding techniques. However, the cross-species transfers being made, such as between fish and tomatoes, or between other unrelated species, would not happen in nature and may create new toxins, diseases, and weaknesses. In this risky experiment, the general public is the guinea-pig. Biotechnology companies also claim their methods are precise and sophisticated. In fact, gene insertion methods involve a high degree of randomness, particularly with regard to where the new gene is inserted into the genetic code of the organism. Genetic research shows that many weaknesses in plants, animals and humans have their origin in tiny imperfections in the genetic code. Therefore, side-effects and accidents are inevitable, and scientists have assessed the risks to be unlimited. (Refs: Palmiter, R.D. et al (1986) Annual Review of Genetics 20: 465; Inose, T. et al (1995) International Journal of Food Science and Tech. 30:141.)
  

• Unpredictable health damaging effects. When genetic engineers insert a new gene into any organism there is a 'position effect' which entails an unpredictable pattern of gene expression and genetic function. The protein product of the transposed gene may carry out unexpected reactions and produce potentially toxic products. There is also serious concern about the dangers of using genetically engineered viruses as delivery vehicles (vectors) in the generation of transgenic plants and animals. This in turn could destabilise the genome and also lead to horizontal gene transfer to other species, including mammals. This could cause dangerous new diseases, resistance to antibiotics, and severe immune reactions. (Refs: Green, A.E. et al (1994) Science 263:1423; Osbourn, J.K. et al (1990) Virology 179:921; Mae-Wan Ho (1996) Biology Dept., Open University.)
  

• Genetically engineered products carry more risks than traditional foods. The process of genetic engineering can introduce dangerous new allergens and fatal toxins into foods that were previously naturally safe. Already, one genetically engineered soybean was found to cause severe allergic reactions, and bacteria genetically engineered to produce large amounts of the food supplement tryptophan have produced toxic contaminants that killed 37 people and permanently disabled 1,500 more in the USA. (Refs: Nordlee, J.A. et al (1996) The New England Journal of Medicine 688; Mayeno, A.N. et al (1994) Tibtech 12:364.)
  

• Increased pollution of food and water supply. It is estimated that about 57% of research by biotechnology companies is on the development of herbicide-resistant plants and that this will lead to a threefold increase in the use of herbicides, resulting in even higher concentrations of chemicals in food and in the water run-off from the land. (Ref: Goldberg, R.J. (1994) Weed Technology 6:647.)
  

• Health-damaging effects caused by genetic engineering will continue forever. Unlike chemical or nuclear contamination, gene pollution can never be cleaned up; effects of genetic mistakes will be passed on to all future generations of a species.
  

• Inadequate government regulation Biotech companies claim that government regulatory bodies will protect consumers. However DDT, Thalidomide, L-tryptophan, etc. were approved by British and US regulators with tragic results. Recently, US tests found that 80% of supermarket milk contained traces of either medicines, illegal antibiotics used on farms, or hormones, including genetically engineered Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). The facts show that regulators are not protecting the public adequately. (Ref: Epstein, S.S. (1996) International Journal of Health Services, 26:173.)
  

• Ethical concerns Transferring animal genes into plants raises important ethical issues for vegetarians and religious groups. It may also involve animal experiments which are unacceptable to many people.
  

• Genetic transfer across species and competition from new species damaging the environment. When new genetic information is introduced into plants, bacteria, insects or other animals, it can easily cross into related organisms, through processes such as cross pollination. This process has already created 'super weeds'. Existing species can also be displaced from the ecosystem with disastrous effects, as happened with genetically modified Klebsiella soil bacteria. Crops are now being engineered to produce their own pesticides. This will promote the more rapid appearance of resistant insects and lead to excessive destruction of useful insects and soil organisms, thus seriously perturbing the ecosystem. In addition, the pesticide produced by the plant may be harmful to the health of consumers. (Refs: Union of Concerned Scientists (1994) Gene Exchange, 5:68; Mikkelsen, T.R. et al (1996) Nature 380:31; Skogsmyr, I. (1994) Theoretical and Applied Genetics 88:770; Hama, H. et al (1992) Applied Entomology and Zoology 27:355.)
  

• Inadequate safety at research facilities. UK research institutions have little protection to ensure that experimental genetically engineered organisms are not escaping. For example, seeds can be blown by the wind over low fences or carried great distances very quickly by birds. It is not possible for anyone, any farm, or any country to isolate itself from the potentially disastrous effects of genetic manipulation.
  

  Despite their advantages, many new technologies produce disastrous side-effects.

There is now a serious debate on the acceptability of some of these unpredicted side-effects, such as nuclear pollution, global warming, and the toxic effects of pesticides and herbicides. Medicines often have to be withdrawn because the side-effects turn out to be too poisonous. In each case, it takes time for the effects to come to light and be evaluated before action can be taken.

Genetic engineering poses the greatest danger of any technology yet introduced. Safety testing will never be adequate, because organisms once introduced can never be recalled from the environment and their effects will spread without limit. If action is not taken now, virtually everyone in the world will soon be eating genetically engineered foods and will be at risk.

Genetically engineered foods are being introduced without due regard for health, yet any damaging effects will be irreversible.