Cloned cow birth in UK causes panic
TEXT OF INTERVIEW
SCOTT JAGOW: In Britain today, people are up in arms about another genetic issue: cloned food. There are reports a calf from a cloned cow was born on a farm in Britain. Stephen Beard joins us from our European Desk. Stephen, what’s the reaction over there?
STEPHEN BEARD: There’s no doubt that the revelation that the offspring of an American cloned cow has turned up in a British herd is causing absolute paranoia here. And the major concern is really twofold: First of all, this is the first time, in spite of the fact that this country led the world in cloning with the creation of Dolly the sheep, this is the first time a cloned animal, who is called Dundee Paradise by the way, has entered commercial farming in the UK and without the British government being apparently aware of it.
JAGOW: Well with all the attention that’s been given to cloned animals, how does a cloned cow slip by the whole system?
BEARD: Well the short answer is there is no real system. Indeed one of the leading campaigners on this issue has accused the government of failing to give regulatory controls. And given the anxiety among the British people about food safety and about these kind of innovations in farming, he says that is inexcusable.
JAGOW: OK Stephen thanks a lot.
BEARD: OK Scott.
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