Debate about the safety of genetically engineered organisms (GEOs) has evoked intense public interest in biotechnology, and engendered varying degrees of distrust in scientists, industry and government agencies around the world. The provocative language used to describe GEOs currently in the pipeline runs the gamut from 'golden rice' to 'terminator', although the subjects of these particular monikers have not been planted commercially. In fact, much of the humanitarian promise of GEOs lies in the future, rather than in currently used products. Likewise, the technology's main hazards are probably yet to manifest themselves.
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