Genetic engineering (GE), also called genetic modification (GM), is not just a modern version of the natural breeding that we know and have practised for many thousands of years.

It is a new and totally artificial way of creating living organisms that can never occur in nature. These genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have a life of their own; once released, they will spread and multiply and cannot be recalled. Many scientists believe that the way of producing these GM foods is so new that we can’t be sure of the long-term impacts on our health and the environment.

We don’t yet fully understand the potential risks of growing and eating these GM foods. However, scientists have already begun to see early warning signals of serious health and environmental problems. Therefore, special laws are required to regulate GMOs.

Read the fact sheet here.