Prof. Séralini from the University of Caen (France) has recently published an article in Food and Chemical Toxicology, concerning the toxicity of genetically modified maize in rats. The long period of time achieved in this study is unprecedented and therefore the results very valuable. Many criticisms have followed since the publication; this is to some extent normal and even desirable for all scientific works. However, these criticisms should take the form of new published counter-experiments rather than denigration in non-scientific journals. The study of Prof. Séralini is not perfect; it is only a new necessary step toward a better understanding of the effects of GMOs on health. It however certainly deserves publication and support from the scientific community.

Guillaume Ferlat, associate professor (Maître de conferences), Institute of Mineralogy and Condensed Matter Physics, University Pierre et Marie Curie, France