Scientists want total recall of GM crops with viral gene promoter to protect public health

The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) published research showing GM crops contain a viral gene fragment.[i]
 
The Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter (P35S) has been used in 60% of GM crops. It contains portions of viral Gene VI.This gene does not have to be complete to be active.

Gene VI has four known functions. Two of these interfere with the anti-pathogen defenses of plants and one has the potential to produce "numerous random proteins within cells. These proteins could be allergens, plant or human toxins, or they could be harmless." According to Drs Latham and Wilson in their article published yesterday in Independent Science News.[ii] Accidentally inserting viral genes into crop plants and the food supply “confers a significant potential for harm.” 
 
Latham and Wilson report:

• viral genes that infect plants are similar to viruses that infect humans
• the protein produced by Gene VI may be human toxin as it targets ribosomes and RNA silencing which are both found in human cells
• “When Gene VI is intentionally expressed in GM plants, it causes them to become chlorortic (yellow), to have growth deformities, and to have reduced fertility…”

According to Latham and Wilson once EFSA discovered Gene VI in GM crops they had two options:

1. to recall all CaMV Gene VI-containing crops
2. undertake a retrospective risk assessment

 
“Since this retrospective risk assessment has now been carried out and remains inconclusive, the only course of action consistent with protecting public health and respecting the science is for EFSA, and other jurisdictions, to order a total recall.”
 
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved GM crops containing the CaMV 35S promoter. MADGE requests that FSANZ respects the science and calls for a total recall of these GM foods.