Brussels, 03 Sep 2002
The UK's Agriculture and environment biotechnology commission (AEBC), which advises the country's government on biotechnology issues, has recommended that any cloning of animals should be carried out in the interest of the public good rather than commercial considerations.
A report published by the AEBC highlighted that there are many areas that are still uncertain, such as the effects of genetically modified fish escaping into the wild and breeding with other fish.
The report recommends that a public debate take place on regulations for animal cloning. This contrasts with the situation in the USA, where GM foods have been sold for some time and preparations are taking place for the possible use of GM animals.