University of Canterbury genetic scientists have produced a report which slams AgResearch for conducting what it says is deliberately conducted superficial testing when disposing its of its genetically modified animals.
The report by Professor Jack Heinemann says that AgResearch ignored the concerns of ERMA, the Environmental Risk Management Agency, about the possibility of horizontal gene transfer from genetically modified animal corpses, and conducted its experiments in such a way as to avoid finding GM contaminations.
Professor Heinemann argues AgResearch’s testing methods meant it would ignore up to 99.9 percent of potential GM contaminations in the organisms surrounding the corpses.
A spokesman for AgResearch claimed the organization had only just received the report and could not yet comment.
“We’ve only just got it ourselves so we’re still putting a response together.”
However, the Journal of Organic Systems report says AgResearch was provided with a draft copy of the final report nearly 7 months ago on 23 November 2010.
