Thursday, June 14, 2007
Food safety issue--Antibiotic-resistant marker genesDuring the process of genetic modification, marker genes are used to check whether particular cells have taken up the modified gene. Antibiotic-resistant marker genes are one type of marker gene. If a cell is resistant to the particular antibiotic, this shows that the cell has taken up the modified gene. Some people have suggested that antibiotic-resistant marker genes could be transferred into the bacteria in our gut, along with the resistance to the particular antibiotic. If this happened, the particular antibiotic, if prescribed to treat an infection, would not work in that person.
The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) is an independent scientific committee that advises the Food Standards Agency. In 1996, when the first GM maize was approved as a food, the ACNFP raised the concern that antibiotic resistance marker genes might be transferred from GM plants to the bacteria in our digestive systems. At that time, the ACNFP concluded that there was a low risk of this happening. Since then, further research has shown that the risk of transfer is even lower than originally thought.
However, to remove this risk completely, the ACNFP has recommended that these marker genes should be removed once the original genetic modification has been carried out. There is general agreement among regulators and companies developing genetic modification technology that using antibiotic resistance markers should be phased out.
The European Directive on this issue states that, by 31 December 2004, antibiotic resistant marker genes that may have ‘an adverse effect on human health and the environment’ should be phased out from GM organisms that could enter the food chain. (European Directives are binding on Member States but national governments decide how they will implement them.) Antibiotic resistant marker genes authorised for research purposes only, and not for the food chain, should be phased out by the end of 2008. This would leave currently approved crops containing antibiotic resistant marker genes on sale. However, this generation of crops is likely to be superseded by newer varieties that do not contain these genes.
I loved you at Thursday, June 14, 2007
