Food and Chemical Toxicology, a
peer-reviewed scientific journal, has just published an EFSA
self-task Report which assesses the use of animal feeding
trials in the evaluation of GMOs. This issue has been the
subject of much discussion in the GMO evaluation process.
EFSA’s GMO Panel decided to evaluate existing practice and
use of such trials. Following an online public consultation
on the draft Report last year, it has made recommendations
on their use in the evaluation process.
The safety assessment of GM
plants and derived food and feed follows the approach widely
accepted by international organisations such as the FAO/WHO,
Codex Alimentarius and the OECD. It is based on comparison
with conventional counterparts to identify intended and
unintended differences. The Report argues that this remains
an appropriate basis for deciding whether animal feeding
trial studies are needed for the safety and nutritional
assessment of GM food and feed.
Safety and Nutritional
Assessment of GM Plants and derived food and feed: The role
of animal feeding trials
