Genetically Modified Organisms and Food

Genetic modification techniques have transformed the scope of biotechnology. Describes the new technology and its potential uses in the food industry. Safety is an important consideration and there are European Community and British legislative safeguards for human and environmental safety. Proposed EC legislation on novel foods, as drafted, contains equivalent provisions. There are wider questions about use of genetic modification in food and these have been addressed by a Government Committee on the Ethics of Genetic Modification and Food Use. Consideration has also been given by the Food Advisory Committee to the question of labelling.