Pope John Paul II has also urged caution concerning genetically engineered food. It is necessary to subject it in advance to rigorous scientific and ethical checking to prevent it ending up in disaster for . . . During the past year, the religious community began to express its concern about genetically altered food with action designed to impact the business interests of the biotech industry. In 2001, she added, shareholder resolutions will be filed with 30 or 40 biotech companies. We're asking that genetically engineered food products be removed from the markets until long-term testing has proven their safety for people and the environment.
Biotech companies argue the benefits outweigh the risks of genetic engineering.
Genetically engineered food has reduced the amount of pesticide sprayed on to the land and water. Jaydee Hansen, an executive with the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, disputes Hurley's argument. You don't fix a deficient diet with rice. You decrease world hunger by helping people grow a diverse, healthy diet that includes yellow and green vegetables. There could be some benefits to genetically altering certain foods, he added.