New Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):Towards a “scientific precautionary principle”


By Giuseppe Longo Abstract: New Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Towards a “scientific precautionary principle”Giuseppe Longoa*a Centre Cavaillès, CNRS and Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, France*Corresponding author: Giuseppe Longo, Email: AbstractTo the ordinary precautionary principle, we should add a more precise “scientific precautionary principle”. In …

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Agricultural GMOs and their associated pesticides: misinformation, science, and evidence


By Michael N. Antoniou, Claire Robinson, Irina Castro & Angelika Hilbeck Published in: Environmental Sciences Europe volume 35, Article number: 76 (2023) Abstract Misinformation has always existed, but it became a major preoccupation during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its ability to affect public …

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Nouveaux OGM : pour un « principe de précaution scientifique »


by Giuseppe Longo https://blogs.mediapart.fr/les-amis-de-la-generation-thunberg/blog/310723/nouveaux-ogm-pour-un-principe-de-precaution-scientifique Au principe de précaution, nous devrions ajouter un « principe de précaution scientifique ». Bref, que l’on ne peut pas agir sur la nature sur la base de principes qui sont manifestement faux. La science est l’invention de cadres théoriques …

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Analysis statement by ENSSER on the EU Commission’s new GM proposal. Here for Annex 1 on NGT “equivalence criteria”


Analysis statement by ENSSER (European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility) on the EU Commission’s new GM proposal Here for Annex 1 on NGT “equivalence criteria” The EU Commission’s proposal is scientifically unacceptable, removes the provisions of the precautionary principle and puts …

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Integration of omics analyses into GMO risk assessment in Europe: a case study from soybean field trials


By Rafael Fonseca Benevenuto, Caroline Bedin Zanatta, Friedrich Waßmann, Michael F. Eckerstorfer & Sarah Zanon Agapito-Tenfen Environmental Sciences Europe volume 35, Article number: 14 (2023) https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-023-00715-6 Abstract In Europe, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are subject to an authorization process including a mandatory risk assessment. …

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A Roundup herbicide causes high mortality and impairs development of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)


By Nicolas Defarge, Mathias Otto, Angelika Hilbeck Published in Science of The Total Environment Volume 865, 20 March 2023, 161158 Available online 23 December 2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161158 Abstract Glyphosate has and is being used extensively in herbicide formulations worldwide. Thus, glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) substantially add …

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19 April: Science in the storm: GMOs, agnotology, theory


An open conversation led by Maël Montévil (theoretical biologist, IRI et IHPST, Université Paris I) and Victor Chaix (AAGT-AI). with Prof. Ignacio Chapela (microbial ecologist and mycologist, University of California, Berkeley) Dr. Angelika Hilbeck (agricultural ecologist, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH, Zuerich) Prof. …

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Stacked genetically modified soybean harboring herbicide resistance and insecticide rCry1Ac shows strong defense and redox homeostasis disturbance after glyphosate-based herbicide application


by Caroline Bedin Zanatta, Rafael Fonseca Benevenuto, Rubens Onofre Nodari & Sarah Zanon Agapito-Tenfen published in Environmental Sciences Europe volume 32, Article number: 104 (2020) View the full article and download the pdf   Abstract Background World agricultural production of genetically modified (GM) products, in particular, the …

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Getting EU risk assessment for protecting environment and health to achieve its legal objectives. Escaping reductionist fallacies


A series of three webinars organised by the European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility (ENSSER) Thursdays 17 and 24 September and 1 October 2020 16:00 – 17:30 Central European Summer Time   European regulatory systems are often portrayed as some of …

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Broadening the GMO risk assessment in the EU for genome editing technologies in agriculture


By Katharina Kawall, Janet Cotter & Christoph Then Environmental Sciences Europe volume 32, Article number: 106 (2020)   Abstract Genome editing techniques, especially the CRISPR/Cas technology, increase the possibilities and the speed of altering genetic material in organisms. So-called genome editing is increasingly being …

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Gene Drive Web-inar Series


Videos are available online on https://genedrives.ch/webinar-genedrives/ Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party. YouTube privacy policy If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved …

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Genetic engineering endangers the protection of species


Genetic engineering endangers the protection of species Subtitle: Why the spread of genetically engineered organisms into natural populations has to be prevented Autor(s): Christoph Then This report is primarily concerned with the consequences of genetic engineering interventions into evolutionary processes. Leading scientists working in …

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GMO regulations and their interpretation: how EFSA’s guidance on risk assessments of GMOs is bound to fail


The article “GMO regulations and their interpretation: how EFSA’s guidance on risk assessments of GMOs is bound to fail” by Angelika Hilbeck, Hartmut Meyer, Brian Wynne & Erik Millstone, published in Environmental Sciences Europe volume 32, Article number: 54 (2020) may be viewed here …

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Just published: GMOs and ROUNDUP: Similar long term toxicities due to glyphosate formulations


JUST PUBLISHED – February 2020 ​VIENT DE PARAÎTRE – Février 2020 (in french below) GMOs AND ROUNDUP: SIMILAR LONG TERM TOXICITIES DUE TO GLYPHOSATE FORMULATIONS Glyphosate is associated with carcinogenic petroleum additives and heavy metals in pesticides (formulations, which are always mixtures). This penetrates and bioaccumulates …

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Are Market GM Plants an Unrecognized Platform for Bioterrorism and Biocrime?


By Siguna Müller Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., 29 May 2019 Sec. Biosafety and Biosecurity Volume 7 – 2019 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2019.00121 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2019.00121/full This article discusses a previously unrecognized avenue for bioterrorism and biocrime. It is suggested that new gene editing technologies may have the potential to …

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Press Release Stage set for new wave of genetically engineered plants to be approved and imported after EU elections


Stage set for new wave of genetically engineered plants to be approved and imported after EU elections   Outgoing EU-Commission might approve several controversial applications before handing over   23 May 2019 / More than 40 organisations from science, environmental protection, lobby control, food …

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Report – Gene-edited organisms in agriculture: risks and unexpected consequences


In recent years, there has been much discussion of how gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR, can broaden the scope of genetic engineering in agriculture. However, it’s becoming clear that gene editing techniques are error prone. This new report from Friends of the Earth …

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One-sided attacks and biased reporting of the ECJ judgement regarding new genetic engineering methods reveal an arrogant and unenlightened understanding of science, democracy and law


By Dr Eva Gelinsky and Dr Angelika Hilbeck – ENSSER   Introduction “Nothing has been “banned”. Interpreting laws that simply recognise the novelty and distinctiveness of different kinds of GM breeding processes, the ECJ is merely offering a consistent framework of interpretation within which …

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Press Release: Products of new GM techniques should be strictly regulated as GMOs


The products of new genetic modification techniques (NGMTs), misleadingly termed by proponents New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs), are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and should be strictly regulated as such, according to a statement1 released today by the European Network of Scientists for Social and …

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ENSSER Statement on New Genetic Modification Techniques:


Products of new genetic modification techniques should be strictly regulated as GMOs [1] 27 September 2017 New genetic modification techniques (NGMTs) are increasingly being developed and applied to generate new varieties of food crops and livestock animals. They are also being used for other …

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“No scientific consensus on GMO safety” statement published in peer-reviewed journal


PR 01/15 “No scientific consensus on GMO safety” statement published in peer-reviewed journal A statement signed by over 300 scientists and legal experts to the effect that there is “No consensus” on the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops and foods has been published …

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Re-Publication of Séralini et al. Study on the “Long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize”


PR 01/14 Re-Publication of Séralini et al. Study on the “Long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize” RE-PUBLICATION of the Séralini et al. study on the “Long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize” ENSSER …

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End double standards in evaluating GMO safety studies – say scientists


PR 08/13 End double standards in evaluating GMO safety studies – say scientists Europe’s food safety agency only criticises studies that find risk, new analysis shows ENSSER Press release 17.12.2013 The controversy about the Séralini et al. study, which reported negative health effects of …

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297 scientists and experts agree GMOs not proven safe


PR 07/13 297 scientists and experts agree GMOs not proven safe *EU chief scientist Anne Glover’s backing for GM condemned as “irresponsible” *Independent researchers work double shift to address “red flags” on GMO safety Press release, European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental …

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Number of scientists who say GMOs not proven safe climbs to 230 – Developer of first commercialised GM food says debate isn’t over


Number of scientists who say GMOs not proven safe climbs to 230 Developer of first commercialised GM food says debate isn’t over Press release 06/13, 30 October 2013 https://www.ensser.org/media/ Contact: Dr Angelika Hilbeck: / Tel.: +49 30 20 654 857 The number of …

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No scientific consensus on safety of genetically modified organisms – Scientists release statement as World Food Prize goes to Monsanto and Syngenta


PR 05/13 -PR is available in Française, Castellano, English, Deutsch, Nederlands – No scientific consensus on safety of genetically modified organisms – Scientists release statement as World Food Prize goes to Monsanto and Syngenta There is no scientific consensus on the safety of genetically …

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Statement: No scientific consensus on GMO safety


-the statement is also available in Francaise, Castellano, Nederlands, 普通話,  Português, Deutsch – As scientists, physicians, academics, and experts from disciplines relevant to the scientific, legal, social and safety assessment aspects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs),[1] we strongly reject claims by GM seed developers …

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New kinds of genetically modified plants and pesticides not being assessed for safety


Press Release 03/13 New kinds of genetically modified plants and pesticides not being assessed for safety Christchurch, 22.03.2013 – In a new peer-reviewed paper published by an international team from New Zealand, Brazil and Australia in the prestigious journal Environment International, the researchers Jack …

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Judicial Review of EU Authorisation of Genetically Engineered Soybeans with Stacked Genes (MON 87701 x MON 89788)


 The Grounds upon which Testbiotech, ENSSER, and Sambucus challenge the Commission’s decision are, in summary: Ground A: EFSA’s assessment that the Soybean is ‘substantially equivalent’ to its appropriate comparators is unlawful, is based on a scientific assessment which was not carried out in accordance …

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Lawsuit filed against EU authorisation of genetically engineered soybeans


PR 02/13 Lawsuit filed against EU authorisation of genetically engineered soybeans Klage gegen EU-Zulassung von gentechnisch veränderter Soja Umweltorganisationen Procès intenté contre l’Union européenne sur l’autorisation de sojas génétiquement modifiés Interpuesta una demanda contra la autorización europea de soja modificada genéticamente Interposta ação judicial …

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Conference Documentation Published: Advancing the Understanding of Biosafety GMO Risk Assessment, Independent Biosafety Research and Holistic Analysis


Advancing the Understanding of Biosafety GMO Risk Assessment, Independent Biosafety Research and Holistic Analysis   This conference took place in the wake of the 6th meeting of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (MOP-6)  2012.  View the full documenation of the conference View the program …

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ENSSER Comments on Séralini et al. 2012


ENSSER comments “Questionable Biosafety of GMOs, Double Standards and, Once Again, a ‘Shooting-the-Messenger’ Style Debate” available in English, Castellano, and 中文! 05 Oct 2012 – The European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility (ENSSER) welcomes the study “Long term toxicity of a …

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Advancing the Understanding of Biosafety GMO Risk Assessment, Independent Biosafety Research and Holistic Analysis


This conference took place in the wake of the 6th meeting of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (MOP-6) from 01-05 Oct 2012. ENSSER was represented at the MOP-6 convening 2 side events.   Advancing the Understanding of Biosafety GMO Risk Assessment, Independent Biosafety Research …

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ENSSER calls for scientific debate of potential health risks of GM wheat instead of ad hominem attacks on researchers


On 11 September 2012, the Science Media Centre (SMC) published response comments (by Prof. Rick Roush, Assoc. Prof. Peter Dearden, Prof. Peter Langridge and Dr. Ian Edwards) in reply to expert scientific opinions about the safety of GM wheat varieties that have been developed …

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ENSSER calls for scientific debate of potential health risks of GM wheat instead of ad hominem attacks on researchers


PR 03/12 ENSSER calls for scientific debate of potential health risks of GM wheat instead of ad hominem attacks on researchers 19 Sep 2012 – On 11 September 2012, the Science Media Centre (SMC) published response comments (by Prof. Rick Roush, Assoc. Prof. Peter Dearden, …

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Complaint against EU authorisation of genetically engineered soybeans with stacked genes


PR 02/12 Complaint against EU authorisation of genetically engineered soybeans with stacked genes PR 02/12 Beschwerde gegen EU­ Zulassung von gentechnisch veränderter Soja mit Kombinationswirkung   Joint action of environmental organisations and scientists against decision of the EU Commission Munich/ Brussels, 9 August 2012. …

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How much insecticide do Bt plants actually produce? New publication shows inadequacies in risk assessment


PR 02/11  How much insecticide do Bt plants actually produce? New publication shows inadequacies in risk assessment Munich 21 November 2011. A new publication by an international research consortium has revealed several inadequacies in current approaches to risk assessment of genetically engineered plants. The …

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EFSA Consultative Workshop on Draft Guidance on Selection of Comparators for the Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Plants


31 Mar 2011 – The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) held a consultative workshop in Brussels on 31 March 2011 to discuss the views of stakeholders on its draft guidance for the selection of Genetically Modified (GM) plant comparators. The workshop brought together various …

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ENSSER and FSC welcome verdict in whistleblower case – Gilles-Eric Séralini won libal case against the French Association for Plant Biotechnology


PR 01/11 ENSSER and FSC welcome verdict in whistleblower case Gilles-Eric Séralini won libal case against the French Association for Plant Biotechnology read more about the case 18 Jan 2011 – The Citizen Science Foundation (Fondation Sciences Citoyennes, FSC) and the European Network of Scientists …

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