The fish-like omega-3 oil produced in the GM camellia plants at Rothamsted (see article below) is intended to feed fish in fish farms.
Far from being a “sustainable” source of fish feed, as the Rothamsted researchers claim, this, like the vast acreage of GM soy and maize, is just another GM oilseed crop grown to feed livestock. This is an unsustainable use of land when practised on a large scale, since it displaces crops that could be used directly to feed people.
The fish oil has not, as far as we know, been tested for toxicity in fish or other animals.
Just in case the researchers are thinking of targeting human consumers with their fish-like oil, they should bear in mind the findings of a scientific review which found that there is no evidence that omega-3 oil benefits heart health – contrary to the implication by the pro-GMO Genetic Literacy Project, which links this type of oil with this benefit.
Some studies show benefits of omega-3 oils for other health conditions, though under European law the developers of this GMO oil will need to prove health benefits in clinical trials before they can make health claims.
Omega-3 oils are naturally present in many foods, including flax seeds and walnuts as well as fish. Non-GMO supplements of omega-3 oils derived from algae are available from health stores.
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