Abstract

Reference: OECD 2000b.
Title: Report of the Task Force for the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds
Authors: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Publisher: OECD Publications, 2, rue Andre-Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France
Publication details: May 2000. 72p

The techniques of genetic modification are having a major impact on the development of new varieties of crops, vegetables and fruits, starting with major trading commodities such as maize, rice, soybean, whether for human consumption or as livestock feed. There are systems in place in the majority of OECD countries for the safety assessment of genetically modified (GM) foods and feeds. Most participants in the OECD’s Task Force for the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds work in national ministries or agencies whose responsibility is to ensure consumer safety.

The work of the Task Force builds on the OECD’s considerable experience with safety-related activities, dating back to the mid-1980s. Initially, much of the work was concentrated on the environmental and agricultural implications of field trials of genetically modified (GM) crops. This was followed by considering the implications of the scale-up of crop plants. By the end of 1990, work had been established to develop scientific principles for food safety assessment of products of modern biotechnology.

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