Transgenic plants and their products: effects, risks and food safety (Biosafety of transgenic plants)

This paper provides an overview of the effects of transgenic plants, also known as Genetically Modified Organisms, and food safety. Modern biotechnologies are powerfull tools in reprogramming life. However, a major problem in the risk assessment of the organisms produced by biotechnology is that the...

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Authors: Onofre NODARI, Rubens; GUERRA, Miguel Pedro
Format: Article
Status:Published version
Publication date:2003
Country:Brasil
Institution:PUC_CAMP
Repository:Revista de Nutrição
Language:Portuguese
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs.periodicos.puc-campinas.edu.br:article/9122
Online Access:https://periodicos.puc-campinas.edu.br/nutricao/article/view/9122
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:transgenic foods
risk assessment
biosafety
precautionary principle
food safety
alimentos transgênicos
análise de risco
biossegurança
princípio da precaução
segurança alimentar
Summary:This paper provides an overview of the effects of transgenic plants, also known as Genetically Modified Organisms, and food safety. Modern biotechnologies are powerfull tools in reprogramming life. However, a major problem in the risk assessment of the organisms produced by biotechnology is that the outcome of transformations can not be fully foreseen. Potential risks to human health include unpredicted side-effects, allergy, toxicity and intolerance. The main effects on the environment include the gene lateral transfer, genetic pollution, and damage to non-target species. The substantial equivalence principle should be abandoned infavor of more scientific criteria. With the Biosafety Protocol approved January 2000, the precautionary principle was reaffirmed and the labeling became compulsory. The public perception reached a stage where restrictions on the consumption of genetically modified foods are imposed, compelling enterprises and scientists to a sciencebased approach for the risk assessment analysis.

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