30 Oct. 2013: Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson said the Catholic church supports using
biotechnology to improve efforts to feed the “poor and afflicted” of the world. But
he also urged using science with prudence and providing labelling, so humans have
freedom to choose. “It is legitimate for humans, with the correct attitude, to intervene
in nature and make modifications,” Cardinal Turkson told some 1,000 people attending
the World Food Prize symposium in downtown Des Moines. “The human person does not
commit an illicit act, when he intervenes to modify some of their characteristics,”
even at the genomic level, for food production. Citing Pope John Paul II, Turkson
said adverse climate change has affected food production in poor countries, “and the
findings of science must be put to use in order to ensure a high productivity of land.”
“There is a need sometimes to be prudent,” he said. “Let’s take every reasonable measure
of caution beforehand to avoid the risk of human health or the environment. Such prudence
is necessary to any element to advance the common good.” And there should be transparency
with the public, Turkson said. “Adopt the highest standards of communication with
the public as well as rules of labeling to guarantee producers and consumers rights
to information.” “There is a need sometimes to be prudent,” he said. “Let’s take every
reasonable measure of caution beforehand to avoid the risk of human health or the
environment. Such prudence is necessary to any element to advance the common good.” Source:
Ucan