Calling the tunes on transgenic crops: the case for regulatory harmony
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops are now
grown commercially in 23 countries, with another 29
granting approval for import and release into the
environment. Despite the socio-economic and
environmental benefits of the technology, further
development is being hampered by differences in
national regulatory
frameworks relating to research,
biosafety, and to the trade and use of GM crops. The
biosafety regulations in different countries are based
on five main international instruments that influence
the development of national biosafety systems in
terms of field trial permit requirements, risk assessment
criteria, labeling, traceability, transparency,
public awareness, post-monitoring and import regulations.
The global harmonization of data collection