LIPI: Nothing to fear from genetically modified food<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Scientists have called for cool heads, both
\ngovernment and public, over fears of genetically modified crops
\nand stocks, saying that the gains from such technology far
\noutweigh the potential dangers.<\/p>\n
Soefjan Tsauri, head of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences
\n(LIPI), said on Tuesday that the technology was the answer to the
\ncountry's problems of providing food in the future, while its
\nnegative effects have yet to be proven.<\/p>\n
\"We understand that fears are raised by the uncertainty of the
\nproducts' effects. But this technology could reduce the use of
\npesticides that can endanger lives and the environment, increase
\nthe nutritional value in the products and raise production.<\/p>\n
\"And it's our task to undergo a risk assessment and manage
\nthese products,\" Soefjan said.<\/p>\n
Transgenic technology is a way to create higher quality crops
\nand stocks by inserting genes from other species.<\/p>\n
For example, rice can be genetically modified to be rich in
\nvitamins, containing genes from a daffodil flower and a bacteria
\nthat possess pro-vitamin A codes.<\/p>\n
The technology, which has been fully developed in the United
\nStates and European countries, has improved the quality of at
\nleast 16 products, including rice, corn, potatoes, soybean and
\ncotton.<\/p>\n
Indonesia has established the technology to modify rice,
\ncassava, corn, peanuts and chilies by exploiting bacteria and
\ngenes. However, the distribution of these foodstuffs has yet to
\nbe approved by the agricultural ministry.<\/p>\n
The government-sponsored LIPI is currently undergoing research
\non enhancing tomatoes and sugar cane.<\/p>\n
But genetically modified produce has become a global
\ncontroversy, as fears persist that genetically modified organisms
\nmight be unsafe.<\/p>\n
Those who support the development of such produce have denied
\nthe allegations and argue that national restrictions against
\ngenetically modified products are tantamount to violating free
\ntrade arrangements.<\/p>\n
Several Indonesian ministries, including the ministries of
\nenvironment; health; agriculture; and forestry and plantation,
\nalong with researchers and universities have agreed to form a
\nworking group to formulate temporary regulations on the
\ndevelopment of transgenic technology, its distribution and
\npermits for exported products.<\/p>\n
Indonesia has not signed the international protocol on
\nbiosafety called the Cartagena Protocol.<\/p>\n
Minister of Environment Sonny Keraf told The Jakarta Post that
\nthe working group would discuss preparations prior to Indonesia
\nsigning the protocol, which contains articles regulating the
\ntechnology of such products and related consumer protection
\nissues.<\/p>\n
Soefjan argued that despite fears of its possible side
\neffects, nutrition-rich food was urgently needed in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
He cited a report from the United Nations Children's Fund that
\nstates Indonesian infants still suffer from vitamin A deficiency.
\nHe said better nutrition could help save the two million babies
\nwho die each year from diarrhea and chicken pox.<\/p>\n
Soefjan admitted that the institute at present did not have
\nsufficient technology to inspect the safety of these products.
\nBut he warned that Indonesia had to catch up as such products
\nwould soon start flooding the country.<\/p>\n
\"We are being left behind by our neighbors in Southeast Asia,
\nso it's about time for us to boost the technology to prepare
\nourselves to face transgenic products,\" he said. (01)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/lipi-nothing-to-fear-from-genetically-modified-food-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}