We look briefly at some examples. We eat genes all the time without apparently adverse effects. But genes which give resistance to antibiotics are used as markers in some modified foods. There is the knock on effect on other species in the field if what they feed on has been efficiently wiped out. These are again unlikely, but we know comparatively little about complex ecology even for ordinary crops.
Some species are more likely to transfer genes than others and here precaution is clearly needed.
But the report does not support a general moratorium over all applications. There is a point where decisions have to be made. There is much more to say than we have space for here, but we hope shortly to produce a new information sheet on GMO risk. Back to Contents SRT at Windsor Castle SRT has had also good opportunities to share the insights of its study with wider audiences. In February, the Society of Ordained Scientists invited SRT to organise a conference at St. George's House, Windsor Castle on issues raised by the book.