Thread by @GMWatch

UK Gene-Editing Bill Raises Animal Welfare Concerns theepochtimes.com/uk-gene-editin… Experts warn that, contrary to the hype, the technology is imprecise and will open the door to the “wild west” of genetics. #GMOs

“It’s not precise, so the term ‘precision breeding’ is a complete misnomer. In addition to any intended genetic modification you invariably have large numbers of unintended alterations to the organism.” These could include the production of toxins and allergens in plants or crops

“It’s a ‘wild west’ of gene-editing of crops, plants and animals and even bacteria that are going to be released into the environment in an uncontrolled way,” says Dr Michael Antoniou, lead geneticist in gene expression and therapy at King’s College London. #GMOs

Antoniou disagrees with how the process is being interpreted to the public. “The mindset is, it’s just a gene working in isolation. I’ll get rid of that & nothing else changes. This isn't how life is wired to work. Gene systems work like integrated networks, like an eco system.”

Peter Stevenson chief policy adviser at @ciwf: “The bill permits the use of gene-edited animals on our farms and the sale of meat, milk, and eggs from them in our shops. It's taking gene-edited animals out of the lab and putting them into farms and onto supermarket shelves” #GMOs