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 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.