The European Union had approved a number of genetically
modified crops until late 1998. But growing public concern over its supposed
environmental and health 62. ______ risks
led several EU countries to demand a moratorium(暂时 禁止) on imports of any new
GM produce. By late 1999 there were enough such country to block any new
approvals 63. ______ of GM produce. Last
year, America filed a complaint at file WTO about the moratorium, arguing
that it was an illegal trade barrier because there is no scientific base for
it. 64. ______ As more studies
have been completed on the effects of GM crops, the greens’ case for them has
weakened. 65.
______ Much evidence has emerged of health risks from eating them.
66. ______ And, overall, the studies have shown that the
environmental effects on modified crops are not always as serious as the
67. ______ greens claim. Nevertheless,
environmentalists continue to find fault of such studies and argue that they
are inconclusive. 68. ______ While
Americans seem be happy enough to consume
69. ______ food made from GM crops, opinion polls
continue to show that European consumers dislike the idea. Europeans seem
be taking the attitude which, since there remains the slightest
70. ______ possibility of adverse consequences and since it is clear
how 71. ______ they, as consumers, benefit from GM crops,
they would rather not run the risk.