GM Food Regulations in the EU

Abstract

The use of genetically modified organisms (GMO), their cultivation, their release into the environment, their importation and, in particular, their use as food or food ingredients in the European Union are regulated by strict procedures. Since 1996, when the first GMOs were introduced on the European market, the regulatory framework has constantly evolved to provide information to the consumer to guarantee its freedom of choice and to ensure transparency of GMOs or GM derived ingredients in the food chain. The approach chosen in the EU as regards GMOs is a precautionary approach imposing a pre-market authorization for any GMO to be placed on the market and a post-market environmental monitoring for any authorized GMO. This approach ensures a high level of protection of human and animal health and of the environment.