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 the 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 riley 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.