Experts Propose a Global Model for One Risk Assessment of GM Plants

A review article published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology proposes a global model for regulating genetically modified (GM) crops, covering food, feed, and environmental safety. This model aims to reduce the duplication of safety assessments and reduce the burden for developers and regulatory agencies.

The proposed model for global risk assessment is designed to uphold high safety standards while minimizing redundant evaluations. The model encourages countries to revise existing policies to accept risk summaries from credible regulatory counterparts and build on shared assessments for decision-making. The paper cited examples, such as the Health Canada-FSANZ collaboration and regional memoranda in Latin America, to demonstrate the benefits of regulatory cooperation.

The authors suggest the following actionable recommendations to the national regulatory agencies:

• Revise policies to allow the use of other countries' risk assessment summaries to reduce regulatory redundancy.
• Publish risk assessment summaries and decisions on regulatory websites.
• Broaden approvals to include future plant varieties with the same traits, especially for RNAi traits and retransformed vegetatively propagated crops.
• Treat GM plants with cisgenic traits like conventional varieties by focusing on the regulation of the final product, rather than the technology used.

The authors also urge the national representatives of member countries at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) to review and update the CODEX guidelines for Foods Derived from Modern Biotechnology. Their recommendations support efficient oversight of the regulatory process while prioritizing public trust and safety.

For more information, read the article from Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.