Abstract

Reference: FAO/WHO 2001b
Title: Consultations and Workshops: Safety Assessment of Foods Derived from Genetically Modified Microorganisms
Authors: Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Foods Derived from Biotechnology, 24 –28 September 2001
Publisher: WHO and FAO, WHO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
Publication details: 2001, 28p.

FAO and WHO convened this Consultation to assess whether currently available approaches for assessing the safety of foods and food ingredients derived from genetically modified plants could be applied to genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs). The Consultation examines unique aspects to be considered in the safety assessment of foods produced with the aid of GMMs.

The Consultation agreed that the safety assessment of GMMs should proceed on a case-by-case basis aided by a series of well-defined questions. The Consultation confirmed that a comparative approach, using the concept of substantial equivalence, provided a practical means of identifying similarities and differences between food produced with the aid of GMMs and their appropriate comparators. These differences would then be the focus of the safety evaluation.

The Consultation concluded that in developing a GMM for use in food production, vectors should be used which consist only of nucleotide sequences from microorganisms with a history of safe use in food. Any selectable markers should be carefully chosen and based on safe use. In particular, antimicrobial resistance marker genes should be avoided and not be present in the final GMM.

The Consultation recognized the need for efficient communication of issues related to the development and safety evaluation of GMM food. Specific communication of the principles guiding the safety assessment to the public would enable efficient interaction and transparency in the evaluation process. The Consultation recommended that FAO/WHO coordinate the efforts to achieve this.

The Consultation noted that specific methodologies are available which enhance the safety of GMMs through an improved understanding of the biology of microorganisms. New technologies are developing rapidly with a potential to enhance the safety evaluation of GMMs, especially bacteria.

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