Ecobreves – MEXICO: Scientist Warns About Transgenics

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MEXICO CITY, May 30 2005 (IPS) - Genetically modified seeds and foods are not a threat to human health, but could have harmful impacts on the environment, says Mexican biotechnology expert Octavio Paredes, who on July 1 will become the first Latin American to receive an honorary doctorate from a prestigious Canadian university. ''We must be careful with molecular biotechnology when the environment is involved, because the products derived from it, like transgenic seeds, could cause alterations,'' Paredes told Tierramérica. However, he ruled out the notion that consuming foods from genetically modified plants could harm human health.

Because of his contribution to genetic research of native Mesoamerican plants, like maize, beans, huitlacoche and amaranth, the scientist, 62, will receive an Honoris Causa doctorate from the University of Manitoba, one of the world's leading schools in agricultural sciences.

For Paredes, it is a top priority to promote consumption of native maize species, and other plants endemic to Mesoamerica grown using traditional techniques, because they are the most nutritious, he says.