This document examines the European Union's regulatory framework for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and new genomic techniques (NGTs) in food and feed production. It traces the historical development of GMO regulations, highlighting the challenges of balancing scientific innovation with public concerns over safety, environmental impact, and ethical issues. Current regulations include mandatory labelling and traceability systems to ensure consumer information and safety, addressing issues such as accidental contamination and coexistence of GM and non-GM crops. The document also explores voluntary GMO-free labelling practices and their implications. Additionally, it discusses the legal definition of GMOs and the ongoing debate on regulating plants derived from NGTs, emphasizing the need for updated legislation to address sustainability, traceability, and international trade challenges. The proposed regulation on NGT plants introduces two categories with specific rules and incentives, aiming to balance innovation, safety, and sustainability. However, the approval process remains ongoing, with debates on cultivation, patentability, and labelling requirements
Food and feed from GM and NGT techniques
Eleonora Sirsi
2025-01-01
Abstract
This document examines the European Union's regulatory framework for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and new genomic techniques (NGTs) in food and feed production. It traces the historical development of GMO regulations, highlighting the challenges of balancing scientific innovation with public concerns over safety, environmental impact, and ethical issues. Current regulations include mandatory labelling and traceability systems to ensure consumer information and safety, addressing issues such as accidental contamination and coexistence of GM and non-GM crops. The document also explores voluntary GMO-free labelling practices and their implications. Additionally, it discusses the legal definition of GMOs and the ongoing debate on regulating plants derived from NGTs, emphasizing the need for updated legislation to address sustainability, traceability, and international trade challenges. The proposed regulation on NGT plants introduces two categories with specific rules and incentives, aiming to balance innovation, safety, and sustainability. However, the approval process remains ongoing, with debates on cultivation, patentability, and labelling requirementsI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
