U.K. Government Considers Prosecuting Monsanto for Genetic Pollution
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Excerpted from IGC Headline-
/* Written 1:43 PM Oct 26, 1998 by colibri@west.net in bitl.sanet */
Superweed Scare In Genetically Modified Test Crop Blunder
One of the worst fears of campaigners against genetically modified crops has
almost come true. An experimental crop of oilseed rape that was altered to be
resistant to herbicides has had to be destroyed after it pollinated nearby plants.
The fear was that, left unchecked, a new breed of superweeds
which normal chemicals could not destroy might have resulted
with devastating effects for Britains agriculture.
Now, in what could be the first case of its kind in the UK,
the Government is considering prosecuting the America
chemical giant behind the experiment for allegedly
contaminating the environment.
If convicted, Monsanto, the world's leading producer of
genetically modified foods and British based sub-contractor
Perryfields Holdings Ltd face heavy fines. Monsanto's
directors, headed by chairman and chief executive, Bob
Shapiro, could even be jailed if found to have been
negligent.
....