The results emerging from an international effort to map all human genes by 2005 are impressive, yet "frightening and overwhelming for many involved, but also for the public", according to a researcher involved in the project.
At a biotechnology conference in Brussels yesterday, Prof Jean-Jacques Cassiman of the University of Leuven, Belgium, who is working on the Human Genome Project, said this reaction underlined the urgent need for "agreements, guidelines and transparent regulations reflecting the justified concerns of the population" and to protect patient rights.
This was to guarantee correct application of genetic information which would "radically change the understanding and treatment of many, if not all, diseases", he added.
Most concerns relate to fears of over-commercialisation of genetic information, use of individual genetic details for commercial gain without consent, and inappropriate use of genetic testing.
Prof Cassiman said the project was "racing at high speed towards completion" of the genetic sequence of three billion nucleotides which make up human genes.
"The spin-off from this is already impressive."
The mixed feelings shared by scientists and society, however, were due to the speed at which progress was achieved and partly because "our most private possession [genetic information] is concerned".
It also relates to the mixed signals sent by those involved in the research.
It was necessary, Prof Cassiman said, for all specialities in medicine to understand the extent to which genetic testing would be involved.
"Genetic testing comes down to testing families and not just individuals. This will require appropriate skills in counselling, but also guarantees to protect the privacy of the individual."
The conference on biotechnology perception in the EU, hosted by the European Federation of Biotechnology, heard that a leading French seed company was about to complete a system which guarantees traceability and transparency in food production including genetically (GM) modified foods.
Dr Sofia Ben Tahar of Groupe Limagrain in France said their "segregation chain" would secure the confidence of consumers, particularly those who want to avoid GM foods. It would involve a small price increase in products.
The system would mean clear identification of seeds and thus should result in clear identification of food products put on the market, said Dr Ben Tahar, the company's head of biotechnology.
A climate of suspicion had developed in Europe over GM crops.
While she believed consumers would benefit from genetic engineering, food companies "had to respond to those who wanted transgenic foods to be segregated from non-transgenic ones, and to be labelled accordingly".
Her company had developed the ability to code plants. Molecular analysis along the supply chain would confirm the identity of the material.
Cultivation practices would have to be changed to ensure pollen transfer to non-GM crops, and a clear EU threshold determining the permissible level of GM material in the non-GM food chain had to be set.
