1-5 |
Biotech-derived foods: An international perspective |
E. C. D. TODD, National Food Safety & Toxicology Center, Michigan State Univ., 165 Food Safety & Toxicology Bldg., East Lansing, MI 48824 Genetic engineering has the potential to help increase production, particularly in areas where there is subsistence living on marginal lands for agriculture. However, there are two risks involved with biotech products – human and animal health and adverse environmental consequences. The possible effects on food safety and the environment need to be evaluated in light of limited data. National regulatory authorities are responsible for clearing such products, together with monitoring of the effects of these products after their release. The Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization provides the secretariat to the Codex Alimentarius Commission which has established an ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnologies, in which government-designated experts will develop standards, guidelines or recommendations, as appropriate, for biotech foods. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is also considering the labeling of foods derived from biotechnologies to allow the consumer to make an informed choice. In the UK, there are concerns that the development of GMOs is regulated on a case-by-case basis, and there needs to be an overarching body to consider the cumulative effects of producing GMO crops and look at the environmental impacts of the use of GMOs. EU representatives agree that genetically modified seeds, food and feed should be authorized for release only after a science-based assessment with the process transparent and conducted by independent scientists. Labeling may be desirable but may be difficult to enforce. There may need to be clarification in the public’s minds about the distinction between organic and GM foods and that existing risks from conventionally derived products such as pathogens are probably far greater than GMOs. Also, the public is not aware of all of that is being done by governments to ensure that biotech products are safe. This, a risk communication policy is important to develop.
Session 1, Biotechnology-derived foods: Is frankenfood a myth or a reality?
|