Abstract
The OECD Council Recommendation on Recombinant DNA Safety Considerations is a legal instrument which has been in force since 1986. It outlines the safety assessment practices that countries should have in place for agricultural and environmental biotechnology. This article suggests possible updates to make it suitable for the modern era.
Highlights
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Council Recommendation on Recombinant DNA Safety Considerations is a legal instrument which has been in force since 1986
It marked the start of OECD's engagement with modern biotechnology, which continues today with a track record of seminal events and publications that have facilitated the international harmonisation of risk assessment principles (Box 1)
There is an expectation that Adherents will do their utmost to fully implement a Recommendation'. It is unclear whether OECD members or the wider biotechnology community are aware of the Recommendation and its content
Summary
In 1986, the OECD Council adopted a Recommendation entitled Recombinant DNA Safety Considerations: Safety Considerations for Industrial, Agricultural and Environmental Applications of Organisms Derived by Recombinant DNA Techniques [1] This OECD legal instrument was intended to promote international understanding of safety issues raised by recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques so as to take steps towards an international consensus on the protection of health and the environment as well as a reduction of non-tariff barriers to trade. OECD and Modern Biotechnology Since 1986 The OECD has published many documents since 1986 that include principles and/or guidance related to the risk/safety assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as well as of foods and animal feed derived from them (Figure I) It addresses issues relevant to human health, the environment, and agriculture that might be considered in a risk/ safety assessment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
