Philippine court blocks GMO golden rice production over safety fears

Published Apr 25, 2024

Tridge summary

A Philippine court has halted the commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice and eggplant due to concerns over potential health and environmental risks, despite these foods being fortified with vitamin A and being deemed safe to consume by regulatory bodies in several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US. The decision, welcomed by environmental groups like Greenpeace, has delayed the implementation of the biosafety permit granted in 2021, citing conflicting scientific opinions and the need for more safety evidence. This development slows down the distribution of these GMO foods, which were initially developed to combat vitamin A deficiency-related issues, especially in children from developing countries.

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Original content

A Philippine court has blocked the commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice because it said conflicting scientific views gave rise to "severe" health and environmental safety concerns.The Philippines was the first country in the world to approve golden rice, which is enriched with the Vitamin A precursor beta-carotene and has a bright yellow color, in a bid to combat childhood blindness.However, the Court of Appeals in Manila revoked a biosafety permit for commercial production of the rice granted by government regulators in 2021 after 14 opponents filed a challenge.The court's ruling, issued on April 17 and seen by AFP on Thursday, also applies to a genetically modified eggplant, BT eggplant, that is pest resistant."By reason of the conflicting scientific views and uncertainties on the risks and effects of Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant, potential severe and grave threats to the welfare of people and the environment arise," the court said.Commercial propagation was ...

Source: Phys