QLK1-1999-01182 ENTRANSFOOD: European network on safety assessment of genetically modified food crops

Contacts
Website: www.entransfood.com/
Further Information



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Biotechnology : Plant Genetics : Quality of Life - Other Activities in Key Action 5

Thematic network /EM>	Shared Cost
Contract No	QLK1-1999-01182
Total Cost
EC Contribution
Start Date	01/02/2000
Duration	36 months

Abstract

The project aimed to:

• to identify key issues of the safety evaluation of genetically modified food crops, and to examine whether current research methods are adequate to characterise specific safety hazards;
• to co-ordinate ongoing research regarding safety testing of transgenic foods in the framework of the European research program FP5;
• to design new (in-vitro) test methodologies for safety and nutritional evaluation of whole complex foods, which are of sufficient sensitivity and specificity;
• to address the risks of gene transfer from genetically modified organisms to the gut microflora of humans and animals;
• to examine new strategies for the detection of genetically modified foods, which enable detection at specific threshold levels for raw materials, processed products and food ingredients;
• to examine the fate of genetically modified raw materials and processed products throughout food production chains (tracking and tracing);
• to develop criteria for quality assurance systems to guarantee 'non-gmo-containing' materials throughout food chains
• to develop a communication platform of producers of gmo's, scientists involved in research and safety evaluation of gmo's, retailers, regulatory authorities and consumer groups with the scope to improve safety assessment procedures, risk management strategies and risk communication.

Expected Achievement

The Thematic Network will identify proper research strategies and tools to address issues related to safety and management of transgenic food products. Participants involved in research, safety assessment and management, regulation and consumers interests will evaluate on-going research activities in this area, discuss new approaches and establish a permanent platform for communication between the various parties involved. As a result a number of research papers and position documents will be written by various Working Groups. These documents will be incorporated into one position paper, which will give guidance on the various aspects mentioned above. It is important to demonstrate that the scientific challenges of safety testing of genetically modified foods can be met, while further initiatives will be taken in Europe to improve current test methodologies, using modern molecular based techniques. Agreement on safety assessment strategies for gmo's, and on issues related to risk management and risk communication will facilitate market introduction of gmo's in Europe, and therefore bring the European industry in a competitive position.

Background information

DNA technology in modern plant breeding

Application of recombinant DNA-technology in modern plant breeding has resulted in the development of plants with improved agronomic properties. Food crops have been modified through the introduction of new agronomic traits or suppression of constituent genes, which code for disease or pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or inhibition of ripening. In 1998 a total area of 27.8 x 106 hectare was planted with genetically modified plants, with 52% cultivated with herbicide resistant soy, 24% insect resistant corn, 9% herbicide resistant rape, 9% insect- and herbicide resistant cotton and 6% herbicide resistant corn.

The US and Canada versus Europe

In the US and Canada approximately 40 genetically modified food crops have been introduced on the market, while in Europe only 9 genetically modified crops have obtained approval.

Market introduction of genetically modified (GM) food crops in Europe has given rise to broad public concern based upon unfamiliarity with the new molecular techniques applied and the fact that the genetic material of these food plants has been altered in a manner which in nature by way of reproduction or natural recombination is not possible.

Hazards of large-scale cultivation of transgenic plants and of chronic exposure of humans and animals to transgenic food are issues of intense debate.

Issues of genetically modified foods

Are current assessment strategies for GMO's adequate to establish their safety with respect to chronic exposure of humans and animals to respectively foods and feed products?

Are there specific issues related to the nature of the technology applied, which deserve attention with respect to the safety assessment of GMO's, like the use of antibiotic resistance marker genes?

Are current analytical and toxicological test methods of sufficient specificity and sensitivity to characterise hazards of newly expressed gene products, and to identify potential changes in the composition of GM-food crops as a result of genetic modification (so-called unintended effects)?

How can the safety testing of whole foods been improved and which alternative methods could be developed?

Which detection methods should be applied to detect genetically modified food crops and food ingredients and which thresholds should be established?

Are quality control systems based on administrative or other procedures sufficient in order to trace GM materials throughout the food chain?

Can supply systems be designed to guarantee "GMO-free" foods?

How can transparency in risk assessment and risk management be improved, and which are the criteria to develop a strategy for proper risk communication.

Contacts

Coordinator

• H.A. KUIPER / RIKILT NETHERLANDS