Modern Food Biotechnology, Human Health And Development: An Evidence-Based Study

Modern Food Biotechnology, Human Health And Development: An Evidence-Based Study

Modern Food Biotechnology, Human Health And Development: An Evidence-Based Study

Food Safety Department, World Health Organization

Publisher: Food Safety Department, World Health Organization
Number Of Pages: 85
Publication Date: 2005-11
Binding: pdf

Modern Food Biotechnology, Human Health And Development: An Evidence-Based Study
Food Safety Department, World Health Organization
ISBN 9241593059
WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Modern food biotechnology, human health and development: an evidence-based study. 1. Food, Genetically modified; 2. Food production; 3. Biotechnology; 4. Public health; 5. Risk assessment; 6. Review literature; I. World Health Organization

excerpt:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This study was commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish a knowledge base for evaluating the application of modern biotechnology in food production. The study does not seek to address all issues and evidence in detail, but rather aims to place in context the overall impact of this technology on human health and development. The study reviews evidence in several broad areas related to the use of genetically modified (GM) organisms in the food supply (GM foods), including a review of GM food products currently available, the assessment of risks and benefits, the broader impact on societies, and the existing regulatory capacity in countries. The evidence was collected and collated by WHO with the support of a background group of external experts (list of experts - annex 1). Data for the study were gathered through traditional methodology as well as through an open questionnaire and an Internet-based electronic discussion process. Preliminary results were discussed at a broad stakeholder meeting held in 2003 (list of participants - annex 1), informing further data search and revision. The first GM food (delayed-ripening tomato) was introduced on the US market in the mid-1990s. Since then, GM strains of maize, soybean, rape and cotton have been adopted by a number of countries and marketed internationally. In addition, GM varieties of papaya, potato, rice, squash and sugar beet have been trialed or released. It is estimated that GM crops cover almost 4% of total global arable land.

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