Discussion on the Regulation of Biotech-Derived Food Products in Indonesia

A focus group discussion on "The regulation of biotech-derived food products:current status and applications was held on 4 December at the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture. Prof. Dr. Ir Dedi Fardiaz from Bogor Agricultural University pointed out that  "Risk analysis has become important to assess conditions and take decisions on control procedures. It is considered a prerequisite in the evaluation of genetically modified (GM) food. Many consumers worldwide worry that food derived from GMOs may be unhealthy and hence regulations on GMO authorizations and labelling have become more stringent."

Dr. James Maryanski, a Food and Ag Biotech Consultant and Former U.S. Food and Drug Authority Biotechnology Coordinator discussed "Codex Science-Based Approach to the Safety of Foods Derived from Modern Biotechnology". He noted that  "No adverse health effects have been found, including any from unintended changes. To date, there are no concerns that require long-term or multi-generation animal studies and after a decade of experience, all bioengineered foods on the market are as safe as conventional counterpart foods." The event  attended by 50 participants was organized by the Indonesia Biotechnology Information Cener (IndoBIC), IAARD, CropLife Indonesia, in collaboration with SEAMEO BIOTROP and PBP. 

For further information email Dewi Suryani of IndoBIC at catleyavanda@gmail.com