«Thousands of children could die»
The ban on Golden Rice continues to make waves. More and more scientists are speaking out and denouncing the decision. The talk ranges from «alarming» to «catastrophe» to «dying children».
Thursday, June 20, 2024
The ban on genetically modified plants such as Golden Rice in the Philippines, which was the first country to authorise their cultivation, triggered a veritable storm of indignation. Scientists warned of catastrophic consequences: «Thousands of children could die.»
The fact that the cultivation of Golden Rice is to be stopped is alarming. After all, it was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, which is one of the main causes of disability and death in children in many parts of the world. There is a huge vitamin A deficiency in developing countries in particular. It is estimated that more than 100'000 children die every year.
Golden Rice as a lifesaver
While Greenpeace, which brought about the ban, has not proven the safety of Golden Rice, for many others Golden Rice is a lifesaver.
The criticism of the ban continues: «The court's decision is a disaster», said Professor Matin Qaim from the University of Bonn and member of the Golden Rice Humanitarian Board. «It completely contradicts the scientific evidence, which has found no evidence of risk associated with golden rice, and will result in thousands upon thousands of children dying.»
Adrian Dubock, another board member, echoes this sentiment: «The situation is extremely alarming.» Golden Rice was never grown for profit. «It was done to save lives.»
«Not a single case of negative consequences»
In addition to the scientific community, the Philippine government also opposes the decision. It has already challenged the ban and is likely to be successful. However, the Golden Rice ban will probably not remain without consequences. Countries such as India and Bangladesh, where vitamin A deficiency is also a major issue, had considered growing Golden Rice, but are now likely to abandon the project.
A development that is particularly regrettable in view of the fact that Golden Rice has been categorised as safe in countries such as America, Australia and New Zealand.
As numerous scientists also see other transgenic crops under threat alongside Golden Rice, more than 150 Nobel Prize winners signed an open letter back in 2016 attacking Greenpeace for its campaigns against Golden Rice and other genetically modified plants. The letter stated that Greenpeace had «misrepresented the risks, benefits and effects» of genetically modified food crops and that there was «not a single confirmed case of negative health consequences for humans or animals».
The Golden Rice ban will probably be lifted. Nevertheless, an innovative technology that has been proven to have the potential to save the lives of thousands of children and prevent great suffering continues to be delayed. An anti-gentech campaign before children's lives – that seems cynical.
Sources
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