Terry D. Etherton
Here is interesting release from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) about the importance of livestock cloning. Enjoy reading this. Continue reading Five Nations Express Support for Livestock Cloning
Terry D. Etherton
Here is interesting release from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) about the importance of livestock cloning. Enjoy reading this. Continue reading Five Nations Express Support for Livestock Cloning
Terry D. Etherton
I never cease to be amazed at the political process in Europe that keeps hindering adoption of safe and effective ag biotechnologies. The latest folly occurred on July 7, 2010 when Members of the European Parliament (MEP) renewed their appeal for a ban on food from cloned animals when they voted on novel foods legislation. At this time, there are no European Union (EU) rules to specifically allow or ban dairy products and meat from cloned animals. While the Commission and Council wanted to have cloned meat covered by novel food rules that are already in place, MEPs instead called for new legislation to expressly prohibit the sale of meat from cloned animals and their descendants.
This decision is astonishing given that in July 2008 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced its final scientific opinion that food from cloned cattle and pigs is safe, and there are no implications of animal cloning on the environment!
As I have written in previous blogs, this is another EU decision that is based on politics not science – more of the Luddites at the Gate phenomena that I have written about previously! Continue reading EU Ban Could Spark Cloned Animal Trade Dispute
Terry D. Etherton
Some groups still continue to spread information about animal cloning and whether food from clones is safe to enter our food system.
Groups opposed to cloning use communication tactics that are designed to scare consumers about the safety of food from cloned animals. These attacks continue even though in 2008 the Food and Drug Administration published Animal Cloning: A Risk Assessment, a lengthy document that concluded (based on the burden of scientific evidence) meat and milk from cow, pig, and goat clones, and the offspring of any animal clones are as safe as food we eat every day.
I find it remarkably interesting that there seems to be little concern by these activist groups about the use of cloning in the wine industry (by the way, the fact is that there is no basis for any concern). My point, however, is simple. How come the science of cloning is attacked in animals but not when applied to grapes?
Ever been to a vineyard and looked at the grape varieties? They are clones!! And, many vineyard owners proudly put up signs touting the particular clone(s) that are planted in each “block” of their vineyard. Continue reading Here a Clone there a Clone–More “Word Play”
Terry D. Etherton
On July 15, 2008, The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced its final scientific opinion that food from cloned cattle and pigs is safe, and there are no implications of animal cloning on the environment. Continue reading EFSA Finds Food From Clones To Be Safe
Terry D. Etherton
In previous blogs, I have written about the fact that the more consumers know about biotechnology, the more they accept it. Thus, educational programs/strategies are important to accurately inform the public. This is widely recognized…but comes with the reality that large scale programs to educate the public about science and ag biotechnology are challenging and costly.
Animal scientists at the University of California-Davis have just released a wonderful and educational movie on Animal Biotechnology. The documentary is narrated and co-authored by Cooperative Extension Specialist Alison Van Eenennaam and graduate student William Pohlmeier. My encouragement is to clink on the above link, and watch the movie! Continue reading Animal Biotechnology – The Movie
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Contact:
Cassandra Benz
217.356.2426 Ext. 33
Hundreds of Scientists Endorse FDA Risk Assessment on Livestock Cloning
Over 200 scientists have signed a public statement in support of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s draft risk assessment on the safety of food from cloned animals and their conventionally-bred offspring. The sign-on letter was distributed by the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS). The full text and list of signers can be found at www.fass.org/DefendScience. Continue reading Hundreds of Scientists Endorse FDA Risk Assessment on Livestock Cloning
Terry Etherton
On December 28, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a draft risk assessment (RA) on whether cloning affects food safety or animal health, and whether food products from livestock should be sold for consumption. The draft, “A Risk-Based Approach to Evaluate Animal Clones and Their Progeny – DRAFT” presents the FDA’s position. The risk assessment concludes that “….the available data has not identified any food consumption risks or subtle hazards in healthy clones of cattle, swine, or goats. Thus, edible products from healthy clones that meet existing requirements for meat and milk in commerce pose no increased food consumption risk(s) relative to comparable products from sexually-derived animals.” Continue reading FDA Risk Assessment on Cloning
Terry Etherton
Animal cloning has generated much public discussion about the need for, and safety of this scientific method. In this Blog I present information that the biotechnology is safe for both animals and consumers. Continue reading The Future of Animal Cloning