Caution urged against spread of GM potato

The European Commission's decision to allow the cultivation of the Amflora potato means the ban on genetically modified crops has effectively been lifted, raising concerns that go beyond the particular product, according to an agricultural expert.

Antoine Vella, who lectures at the University's Institute of Agriculture, said the decision meant it would be harder for the EU to say no to somebody else who applied for a license to cultivate GM crops.

"I am not one to say no to genetically modified crops but in Malta we need a wider discussion based on scientific facts," Dr Vella said.

EU Health and Consumer Commissioner John Dalli has come under heavy criticism for approving German chemicals company BASF's Amflora for industrial use by starch producers for the paper industry. Any by-products can also be used as animal feed.

Mr Vella said the risk of cross-fertilisation between Amflora and natural potatoes was minimal, since potatoes do not produce pollen. However, he warned adequate control and enforcement measures had to be taken to ensure the potato would not replace traditional potatoes.

"If its by-products are used for animal feed it will enter the food chain but we also have to be careful that the potato is not bought by some importers and sold to farmers to be grown as a potato for food consumption."

The Amflora potato is particularly controversial because it contains a gene that is resistant to the antibiotics kanamycin and neomycin used to treat bacterial infections in people.

Friends of the Earth Malta chairman Martin Galea De Giovanni lambasted Mr Dalli's decision, insisting there were "clear health concerns" surrounding this GM potato.

"The antibiotics affected by Amflora are vital tools against illness and despite growing resistance to these life saving drugs, industry has added them to potatoes with no guarantees they will not get into the food chain. This is nothing less than a crass decision that puts the public at risk," Mr De Giovanni said, describing Monday's announcement as a "bad day for European citizens and the environment".

The potato was given official approval by the European Food Safety Authority but according to Mr De Giovanni, for the first time the judgment of the scientific body wasn't unanimous.

"Two EFSA scientists stated that the possibility of a transfer of antibiotic resistant genes to bacteria within the gastro-intestinal-tract cannot be predicted," he said.

Similar concerns about the impact of the GM potato on human health were expressed by Greenpeace.

However, a specialist in infectious diseases, who preferred to remain anonymous, told The Times it was the irresponsible use of antibiotics by patients that posed a bigger threat in terms of antibiotic resistance in humans.

"The two antibiotics affected by the gene in the modified potato are highly uncommon and rarely used. Of more concern are hormones and antibiotics fed to animals, which also enter the food chain," the doctor said.

Green groups in the EU have accused Mr Dalli of pandering to big business and the Italian Agricultural Minister said Italy opposed the move.

For 12 years the EU had staved off approval for GM crop cultivation since the approval of a strain of genetically modified maize made by Monsanto.

The Commissioner defended his decision, insisting all possible health and environmental risks had been assessed and there was no reason to delay approval.

The decision was also criticised by Alternattiva Demokratika agriculture spokesman Simon Galea, who urged the government to prevent the entry of GM food into the country.

"Only fruit and vegetables grown using traditional and conventional methods of agriculture should be served at Maltese tables," Mr Galea said.