8. The scientific basis for risk assessment and regulation of genetically modified foods

Abstract

The safety assessment of genetically modified (GM) food (GMF) crops has attracted the attention of plant breeders, food scientists, risk assessors and regulators, and consumer and environmental organizations. A major concern is whether GM crops are so special in nature that new safety assessment strategies are needed, or whether safety evaluations can be carried out in the manner usually used for crops cultivated by traditional breeding techniques. This chapter examines the characteristics of GMF crops and the need for specific risk assessment models. The difficulties in safety testing of whole foods are also highlighted, and new approaches for the safety assessment of whole foods, taking advantage of modern molecular-biological, toxicological and analytical methods, are discussed. This is of particular interest for the safety and nutritional assessment of future GM crops with improved nutritional properties or properties beneficial to health.