Thread by @GMWatch

Advisory body deals blow to UK gene editing plans foodingredientsfirst.com/news/advisory-… “Not fit for purpose,” is the response from the UK Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC) to govt attempts to deregulate food editing of crops and animals. #GMOs

The RPC gives a “red” (or failing) grade to the UK govt regarding the new gene-editing bill’s impact on businesses. It also says more discussion is needed on “impacts, labeling & traceability”. It also says that consumer sentiment toward gene-editing has to be further considered

The RPC says the govt’s impact assessment didn’t rely on independent evaluations: “Much of the evidence re risk discussed in the impact assessment is drawn from interested parties, or based on scientific trials that don't replicate real-world conditions (incl farmers’ behavior).”

The report also raises concern for “devolved administrations” as the legislation will apply only in England, with the govt's impact assessment having NO analysis on the trade of modified goods between the nations (Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland all want to stay #GMO-free).

In a joint statement over 30 organisations (including the RSPCA, Friends of the Earth & the Soil Association), call for major revisions to the bill. They say, “Crucially, the bill proposes to remove all requirements of traceability, including labelling, from these technologies.”

“All surveys, polls and consultations show that people and businesses in the UK believe these technologies and their products should be regulated, traceable and labelled.”

Last year’s public consultation showed 85% of respondents wanted to see gene-editing regulated as #GMO.