Opposition to Genome Editing Technology, Citing Biological Safety Concerns

The Consumer Council Submits Letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Requesting the Revocation of the Ministry’s Announcement on Genome Editing Technology

The Consumer Council has submitted a letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives requesting the revocation of the Ministry’s announcement titled “Request for Certification of Organisms Developed Through Genome Editing Technology for Agricultural Use, 2024.” The Council argues that the announcement could have long-term impacts on conventional farmers, organic agriculture, ecosystem damage, and could lead to monopolies through patenting. In the future, consumers might face the risk of consuming unsafe food or food contaminated with harmful substances. Furthermore, the announcement contradicts the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and lacks scientific support and comprehensive evaluation.

Although the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture stated that genome editing technology (GEd) does not involve gene transfer from other organisms, and is not classified as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the Cartagena Protocol defines organisms developed through genome editing as living modified organisms (LMOs). Therefore, GEd is considered genetic engineering, not conventional breeding, and could have long-term impacts on the ecological system due to changes in gene diversity. Regulatory bodies should follow the principles of the Cartagena Protocol to protect biodiversity from potential risks of GMOs and ensure no harm to the environment or human health, especially in cases where biodiversity could be affected.

The Council urges a review and revocation of the Ministry’s announcement, citing the following reasons:

  • The definition in the announcement contradicts the Cartagena Protocol and lacks scientific neutrality.
  • The safety of environmental release is claimed without a risk assessment.
  • Potential errors from genome editing technology.
  • Lack of preparedness to identify and regulate organisms and products developed through genome editing technology.
  • The organic agricultural system does not accept organisms and products developed through genetic modification technologies.

Source: Consumer Council of Thailand (https://www.tcc.or.th/genome-editing/)