Franken-carnations on sale in Britain The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Envionment (ACRE) found that importing the carnations "did not pose and increased risk to human health" compared with non-GM carnations. However ACRE did consider the possibility of dangers to health from "using petals or leaves from the carnation to garnish salads." Although it gave the green light for the flowers, because they are not intended for human consumption, Defra warned against eating the petals. A spokesman for Defra said: "These GM carnations are aimed at the ornamental (cut flower) market, so are not intended for human consumption. Accordingly, the EU authorising decisions require the product label to say "not for human or animal consumption." The EU has previously licensed the sale of several types of GM carnations, which are currently sold in Britain, all which have been modified for flower colour. Defra added: "This application is still at the risk assessment stage of the EU process, and it could be some time before there is an EU vote on possible authorisation." However Prof Huw Jones, Research Group Leader at the Centre for Crop Genetic Improvement, Plant Biology and Crop Science at Rothamsted Research said the changes were unlikely to be harmful. The gene that alters the colour is not likely to cause problems but it is something that needs to be taken into account and looked at. It's not a common use for carnations but then they have been known to be put in salads.