(OTTAWA) An independent group of scientists and academics today released a study disputing federal government claims that genetically engineered (GE) foods are safe to eat. Dr. E. Ann Clark, a member of the newly formed group GE Alert who is a professor at the University of Guelph, released the study at a press conference with The Council of Canadians this morning. (The Council is donating space on its Web site for members of the group to present their findings.)

The paper, entitled "Food Safety of GM Crops in Canada: Toxicity and Allergenicity," was written by Dr. Clark and examines the process by which Health Canada assesses the toxicity and allergenicity of GE crops. The study found that toxicity was not actually tested or measured on 70% of the 42 GE crops approved in Canada. Moreover, said Dr. Clark, "Allergenicity was not assessed through lab or feeding trial measurements on any of the 42 GE crops. All conclusions of safety regarding toxicity and from allergenic responses were based entirely on inferences and assumptions."

"The analysis presented," said Dr. Clark, "supports the need for a fundamental reassessment of the process by which the safety of GE food is tested in Canada."

GE Alert is an independent group of scientists, academics and agricultural professionals committed to informing Canadians about the implications of agricultural genetic engineering. Members have no ties to the life science industry and are therefore free of potential conflicts of interest.

The Council of Canadians is calling on the federal government to introduce mandatory labelling of GE foods and is currently campaigning to have grocery stores remove GE foods from their shelves until they are proven safe.