-Caveat Lector- GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANTS, PLANTING BANNED - SWITZERLAND ********************************************************** A ProMED-mail post <http://www.healthnet.org/programs/promed.html> Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 13:38:01 -0400 Source: News media, 16 Apr 1999 (edited) Switzerland Friday prohibited the release into the environment of genetically modified maize and potatoes -- the first official ruling on the controversial issue of planting genetically modified organisms. The ruling does not affect imports of genetically altered products for use in food and fodder. BUWAL, the federal environment office, said it had turned down a request by Pluess-Staufer AG to test T25 maize as well as a petition by the federal research institute RAC to test transgenic potatoes. It cited health and environmental concerns. The decision can be appealed within 30 days. Hans Hosbach, head of BUWAL's biotechnology and flux of substances section, said the decision made non-EU Switzerland a unique island within Europe, where most states including neighboring Germany and Italy permit growing genetically modified crops. BUWAL said it turned down the maize request due to concerns over inadvertent pollination. It rejected the other tests out of concern the genetically modified potatoes contained genes which could make some bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics. "We are setting extremely high standards from the start. The two requests did not meet those standards," Hosbach said. The BUWAL statement said the ruling also sought to protect the image of Swiss products. "Swiss agriculture lives on our products' reputation for being pure and close to nature. Such gene technology experiments affect this image. This can have a far-reaching impact on our agricultural sector," the statement said. While the ruling only covers the two specific cases for maize and potatoes, it does set a certain precedent, BUWAL spokesman Rolf Wespe said. "To some extent the case sends a signal, but the matter has to be decided on a case-by-case basis," he said. T25 is made by a joint venture of Germany's Hoechst AG and Schering. Officials at the companies were unavailable for comment. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
