Is the Union of Concerned Scientists opposed to genetically engineering plants to produce human drugs?
We’re not opposed across the board. It’s a technology that should be examined. And we’re enthusiastic about using genetic engineering for drug production. We’re not so enthusiastic about outdoor applications of genetic engineering to crops. Q: What exactly is your concern? A: When you’re genetically engineering bioactive molecules — drugs — into crops and they’re growing outdoors, you must be able to assure those [engineered traits] don’t move to food crops. Otherwise you’re imposing health and environmental risks. Q: How might this affect trade with foreign countries? A: Genetically engineered crops have uneven acceptance around the world. Some people don’t want any genetic engineering in their food. If they found drugs in commodity crops, there would be a huge international brouhaha. People around the world have choices — they don’t have to buy from the U.S. Q: Right now, the U.S. Agriculture Dept. oversees the growing of plants for pharmaceutical production. What are some of the
