Genetically modified organisms can be used for good and for bad

"Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), like all the new technologies, are instruments that can be used for good and for bad in the same way that they can be either managed to the benefit of the most needy or skewed to the advantage of specific groups," the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Jacques Diouf said.

The head of the UN specialized agency was commenting on two FAO publications, the first in a new series dedicated to ethics in food and agriculture.

The first publication, entitled "Ethical issues in food and agriculture", introduces ethical questions as they relate to FAO's mandate and describes a vision for building an ethical and equitable food and agriculture framework.

The purpose of the second publication, entitled "Genetically modified organisms, consumers, food safety and the environment", is to share the current knowledge of genetically engineered products in relation to consumers, including the safety of their food and protection of their health, and environmental conservation.

More information:
- Press release 3 May, 2001 (FAO)
- Ethics in Food and Agriculture

Date of publication: 04/05/2001

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