New Book: Genetically Modified Crops in Malaysian Food System

Genetic resources 5

About the Book, Approvals for the import into Malaysia of genetically modified (GM) crops for food and feed have increased markedly in recent years. Most of these crops are of the herbicide-tolerant and/or insect-resistant varieties, giving rise to health concerns of exposure to herbicide residues and insecticidal toxins via food consumption. 

The food safety risks are compounded by the proliferation of varieties “stacked” with multiple tolerance and resistance traits, and by crops developed using RNA interference (RNAi) technology that may pose uncertain, unintended consequences. In light of these serious biosafety issues, this report calls for more comprehensive risk assessments and greater regulatory oversight of GM crops to protect Malaysian consumers. Until such precautionary measures are put in place, GM crops for food, feed and processing should not be approved in Malaysia.- Third World Network