While the debate rages on, a recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine states genetically engineered crops pose no risk to human or animal health and do not harm the environment. The 388-page report was compiled over two years by a committee of more than 50 scientists who dug through hundreds of research papers, publications and public comments, and heard from 80 speakers at public meetings.
“We dug deeply into the literature to take a fresh look at the data on genetic engineering [GE] and conventionally bred crops,” says Committee Chair Fred Gould, professor of entomology and co-director of the Genetic Engineering and Society Center at North Carolina State University. “The committee focused on listening carefully and responding thoughtfully to members of the public who have concerns about GE crops and foods, as well as those who feel there are great benefits to be had from these crops.”