General Features of Risk Assessments of Biotech Crops

Introduction of genetically modified  (GM) organism to the environment is governed by formalized science-based risk assessment measures. Although there is broad worldwide consensus on the type of information in which risk assessment (RA) is built, there are considerable regional variations on the emphasis and depth of information required by regulatory bodies. A new review published by the journal Euphytica discusses the general features of risk assessment of GM crops.

Authored by scientists from the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), the paper enumerated the categories used by regulatory bodies in RA. These include:

• possible unintended negative effects in a susceptible subgroup of the target population, like allergenicity
• evolution of resistance in the targeted pest/pathogen population
• non-target hazards, like effects to the biodiversity
• gene flow

The authors pointed out that, to date, the definition of “environmental harm” has not been unequivocally agreed. Likewise, they said that absolute certainty or zero risk in a safety assessment is never achievable. They concluded that harmonization of rules for risk assessment of GMOs is no easy task. This is demonstrated by the fact that the two most ambitious multilateral harmonization efforts, the CODEX Alimentarius Commission and those in the context of the UN Convention on Biodiversity Commission, have been deadlocked and are likely to remain so for the next few years.

Subscribers can read the full review at http://www.springerlink.com/content/761378n0w4480165/fulltext.pdf . Non subscribers can read the abstract at http://www.springerlink.com/content/761378n0w4480165/?p=598997ed6a05472dad004533c17b5e8e&pi=2