But we must be much more cautious than we have been in the past about moving forward in ignorance. Scientific standards of proof are high in experimental science or for accepting or refuting a hypothesis, and well they should be. Humans and the environment become the unwitting testing grounds for these technologies. Precaution advocates say this is no longer acceptable. Moreover, science should serve society, not vise versa.
Risk assessment is only one evaluation method and provides only partial answers.
It does not take into account many unknowns and seldom accounts for complex interactions. The precautionary principle is a cover for trade protectionism. The precautionary principle was created to protect public health and the environment, not to restrict valid trade. North American, Argentinian, and other representatives in trade talks have leveled this accusation against the European Union in response to EU action on beef containing growth hormones and on genetically modified foods and crops. Recent EU statements on the precautionary principle have emphasized that the principle should be applied fairly and without discrimination.