The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and its Scientific Panel on genetically modified organisms (GMO) invites comments from interested parties on the draft guidance document prepared by the Scientific Panel.

This document provides guidance for the risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) plants and/or derived food and feed submitted within the framework of Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed or Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms .

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003, EFSA was requested by the European Commission to publish detailed guidance to assist the applicant in the preparation and presentation of applications. The Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms prepared a draft guidance document on GM plants and derived food and feed. Guidance on GM micro-organisms and animals will follow at a later stage.

EFSA and the GMO Panel decided to consult interested parties before the final adoption of the guidance document on GM plants. On 25 May 2004, a stakeholder consultation is planned to discuss the comments received. The outcome of this consultation will be taken into account during the final adoption of the guidance document.

Interested parties can send their written comments before 30 April 2004. EFSA acknowledges that GMOs are a subject of high public interest and that in addition to the need to ensure the safety of GMOs, there are other important considerations such as that of consumer choice. However given that EFSA’s mandate concerns the risk assessment of GMOs, we can only take into consideration in our consultation those comments that relate specifically to the scientific assessment of the safety of GMOs and their possible environmental impact.

Consequently, the GMO Panel will not be able to consider comments related to risk management aspects (eg labelling, traceability, coexistence…) or those addressing for instance socioeconomic or ethical concerns.

Access to the Draft Guidance Document: http://www.efsa.eu.int/consultation/372_en.html