Gene editing techniques that modify the DNA of plants do not pose more hazards than conventional breeding or techniques that introduce new DNA into a plant, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said.
In a new scientific opinion, the EFSA looked at plants which were produced using different genome editing techniques:
Site-directed nuclease-1 (SDN-1).Site-directed nuclease-2 techniques (SDN-2).Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis (ODM).These three gene editing techniques differ from site-directed nucleases-3 (SDN-3) because they modify a specific region of the genome without introducing new DNA.
In delivering its opinion, the EFSA compared the hazards associated with plants produced via these three techniques with those associated with plants obtained via both SDN-3 and conventional breeding.
Experts concluded that the existing guidance for risk assessment of genetically modified plants is applicable for the evaluation of the three new techniques. However, fewer data for the risk assessment might be needed due to the absence of new DNA.
Gene editing
Genome editing, which is precision breeding, changes the expression of DNA in animals, plants and microorganisms with high precision.
The technology has a wide range of applications - from new therapies for cancer and inherited diseases, to increasing the muscle mass of livestock.
It can also be used to produce plants with desired traits, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance or enhanced nutritional profiles.
However, there is a societal concern that genome editing may lead to adverse effects to human health and the environment.
Currently in the EU, genome-edited organisms are required to undergo a safety assessment according to the provisions laid down in the GMO legislation before being authorised.
Study
Acknowledging the need for adequate risk assessment guidelines before these plants are considered for deployment in the European Union, the European Commission asked the EFSA to assess whether its guidelines for the risk assessment of genetically modified plants can be used for the risk assessment of plants produced with ODM, SDN-1 and SDN-2.
The scientific opinion will also inform the Commission’s ongoing study on new genomic techniques.
Read more
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Renewed calls for gene editing in Europe to meet sustainability goals
Gene editing techniques that modify the DNA of plants do not pose more hazards than conventional breeding or techniques that introduce new DNA into a plant, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said.
In a new scientific opinion, the EFSA looked at plants which were produced using different genome editing techniques:
Site-directed nuclease-1 (SDN-1).Site-directed nuclease-2 techniques (SDN-2).Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis (ODM).These three gene editing techniques differ from site-directed nucleases-3 (SDN-3) because they modify a specific region of the genome without introducing new DNA.
In delivering its opinion, the EFSA compared the hazards associated with plants produced via these three techniques with those associated with plants obtained via both SDN-3 and conventional breeding.
Experts concluded that the existing guidance for risk assessment of genetically modified plants is applicable for the evaluation of the three new techniques. However, fewer data for the risk assessment might be needed due to the absence of new DNA.
Gene editing
Genome editing, which is precision breeding, changes the expression of DNA in animals, plants and microorganisms with high precision.
The technology has a wide range of applications - from new therapies for cancer and inherited diseases, to increasing the muscle mass of livestock.
It can also be used to produce plants with desired traits, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance or enhanced nutritional profiles.
However, there is a societal concern that genome editing may lead to adverse effects to human health and the environment.
Currently in the EU, genome-edited organisms are required to undergo a safety assessment according to the provisions laid down in the GMO legislation before being authorised.
Study
Acknowledging the need for adequate risk assessment guidelines before these plants are considered for deployment in the European Union, the European Commission asked the EFSA to assess whether its guidelines for the risk assessment of genetically modified plants can be used for the risk assessment of plants produced with ODM, SDN-1 and SDN-2.
The scientific opinion will also inform the Commission’s ongoing study on new genomic techniques.
Read more
Capitalise on CRISPR to take in more carbon
Renewed calls for gene editing in Europe to meet sustainability goals
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