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Golden Rice and Fishberries: What comes next?

By Aaysha Cader
GMO can no longer remain technical jargon to us. Genetically Modified Organisms, or the more talked-about Genetically Modified Foods (GMF) are fast becoming one of the most talked about and debated topics. With Sri Lanka becoming a signatory to the Biosafety Protocol on May 24, 2000, and its planned ratification in the future, the need for a National Biosafety Framework (NBF) for our country has become even more pressing in recent times.

Biotechnology is one of the more lucrative aspects of modern scientific advances. An LMO (Living Modified Organism) is any living organism that possesses a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology.
The essence of this practice lies principally in genetic engineering, wherein the genetic instructions (i.e. DNA) of a living organism can be changed for numerous other applications, usually for the benefit of humans.

The pros
The positive aspect of biotechnology has long been explored: It is used for the production of crops resistant to insects and pests, thus contributing towards sustainable agriculture by reducing agrochemical inputs. Biotechnology is also utilized for the production of pharmaceuticals as well as edible vaccines (e.g. Hepatitis). However, it is the use of this scientific wonder in the field of food production that has stirred a global uproar. The modification of genes to produce more nutritious Golden Rice, as well the genetic alteration that results in the production of Fishberries, which contain genes extracted from fish injected into strawberries, are some the breakthroughs that have caused controversy the world over.

The cons
Sometimes dubbed 'Frankenstein Foods', GMFs could have an ill-effect on human health. Research reveals that, due to its modified DNA structure, Genetically Modified Foods may cause altered immune responses in the body which can in turn result in an allergy.

Gene products must be evaluated during various phases of their preparation, as adverse effects cannot be ruled out.

The consumption of milk produced by cows that have genetically instilled BST, a compound that stimulates milk production, may sometimes result in the increase in growth factor, ultimately causing adverse effects on humans.

The problems to human health are only one aspect of the controversy.

Environmental issues have also cropped up, with some parties stating that the trans-gene, which may move to other organisms through natural systems, could eventually result in herbicide resistant 'superweeds', thus resulting in an ecological imbalance.

There is also the possibility of GM plants becoming invasive species, thus detrimentally affecting the bio-diversity of our country.

The queries
Legal queries are another side to the story. Can we allow a few organizations to 'own' a gene through patenting the myriad of genes available in our own country? Even if it weren't allowed, what would be the fate of bio-pirates, who may 'thieve' the gene anyway, as it requires only a morsel of the specimen to acquire the necessary gene?
Ethical and moral values have not escaped the equation. Does anyone have the right to 'own' life, and change what has been created? On a different note, if a gene from a fish were to be injected into a strawberry (as in the case of the fishberry), does that mean a vegetarian cannot consume it? Food for thought indeed.

A biosafety governing body

The debate continues; the questions are endless, and the formulation of the National Biosafety Framework (NBF) becomes ever more important. The NBF is a system of legal, technical and administrative mechanisms that would address safety in the field of biotechnology in our own country. GMOs declared safe in one country may not be the same in another, as the nature of the organism varies according to its environment.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is setting up a National Biosafety Framework Development Project under the co-ordination of Prof. Athula Perera. The project aims to complete the NBF by November 2004.

The main elements of the National Biosafety Framework of Sri Lanka are:

* A regulatory system set in place to address safety in the field of modern biotechnology,

* An administrative system to handle requests for permits for certain activities, such as releases of GMOs,

* A decision-making system that includes risk assessment and management for the release of GMOs,

* Mechanisms for public participation and information.

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