The European Union had approved a number of
genetically modified crops until late 1998. But grow public 62. ______
concern over their supposed environmental and health risks led
several EU country to demand a moratorium (暂时禁止) 63. ______
on imports of any new GM produce (转基因农产品).
For late 1999 there were enough such countries to block any . ______
new approvals of GM produce. Last year, America filed a complaint
at the WTO about the moratorium, without arguing that 65. ______
it was an illegal trade barrier because there is no scientific
base for it. As more studies have been completed on the 66. ______
effects of GM crops, the greens’ case for them has weakened. 67. ______
Much evidence has emerged of health risks from eating them. 68. ______
And, overall, the studies have shown that the environmental
effects on modified crops are not always as serious as the 69. ______
greens claim. Nevertheless, environmentalists continue to find
fault of such studies and argue that they are inconclusive. 70. ______
While Americans seem happy enough to consume food
made from GM crops, opinion polls continue to show that
European consumers dislike the idea. Europeans seem be taking 71. ______
the attitude which , since there remains the slightest
possibility of adverse consequences and since it is clear
how they, as consumers, benefit from GM crops, they
would rather not run the risk.