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Scientific perspectives on regulating the safety of genetically modified foods

Nature Reviews Genetics volume 2, pages 217–222 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

Regulation is often seen as the dull end of science. The recent storm over the introduction of genetically modified foods and the calls to regulate their consumption have had a negative effect on development of the science. Assuring the safety of genetically modified foods might raise questions where existing scientific data is limited and underline the need for further research.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Food Science Division, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney , Norwich, NR4 7UA, UK

    Michael Gasson

  2. 13 Pretoria Road, Cambridge, CB4 1HD, UK

    Derek Burke

Authors
  1. Michael Gasson
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  2. Derek Burke
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Derek Burke.

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FURTHER INFORMATION

Substantial equivalence

Royal Society critique of Pusztai's experiments

Facts on GMOs in the European Union

OECD

WHO

FAO

Glossary

CALF CHYMOSIN

Active ingredient of rennet, used to clot milk during cheese manufacture. It is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks the milk protein k-casein, thereby effecting a change in texture.

CRE/LOX

A site-specific recombination system derived from Escherichia coli bacteriophage P1. Two short DNA sequences (lox sites) are engineered to flank the target DNA. Activation of the Cre-recombinase enzyme catalyses recombination between the lox sites, leading to excision of the intervening sequence.

RHIZOSPHERE

The region in the soil surrounding the root system of a plant, affected by the excretions from the roots and characterized by considerable microbiological activity.

SUPERWEEDS

Plants with a genetic predisposition to aggressive weediness. This can be induced unintentionally by genetic modification.

TERMINATOR TECHNOLOGY

Genetic modification intended to prevent a GM plant cultivar from setting seed.

WEEDINESS

Tendency of a plant to grow where it is not wanted by humans.

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Gasson, M., Burke, D. Scientific perspectives on regulating the safety of genetically modified foods. Nat Rev Genet 2, 217–222 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35056066

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