Gene editing ban reviews led to Unite union concern
Unite, a trade group, is urging restraint in the face of efforts by both the UK and the EU to loosen regulations regarding the commercial use of gene editing in agriculture.
Gene editing is causing ‘legitimate worries', according to Bev Clarkson, Unite national officer for food, drink, and agriculture. She urged the UK and EU to follow a ‘precautionary principle’ when it comes to its implementation.
The European Commission initiated a review of the law that governs the technique last week, calling it ‘not fit for purpose’. The UK government launched a public consultation earlier this year on reforming the legislation to allow the gene editing of crops.
According to Clarkson, the UK and the EU seem to be on the same page when it comes to gene editing. She did, however, add: “We have concern that changes to regulatory regimes could lead to trading barriers that hurt the British food industry and ultimately impact our members’ jobs.” On the other hand, George Eustice, the environment secretary, said gene editing has the potential to help us all respond to the problems of climate change.
Though acknowledging that gene editing in agriculture could have certain ‘legitimate benefits’, Clarkson added: “Our members across the food industry, from farming to manufacturing, are deeply concerned about its potential impact on the environment and consumer health, as well as on jobs and the wider food supply chain.”
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) accepted the Government consultation on gene editing in January, stating that it “supported the use of technological solutions to increase the competitiveness of the UK supply chain”. However, FDF chief scientific officer Kate Halliwell warned of the possible consequences of a unilateral approach: “Divergence from European regulations could impact trade to the EU and also needs to be considered by government in parallel to clear opportunity such a technology presents.”
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