Genetically modified organisms: UK regulation and advisory bodies 19/7/02. By Deirdre Janson-Smith The main UK bodies concerned with regulating and monitoring genetically modified organisms are the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; the Food Standards Agency; and the Health and Safety Executive.

Genetically modified organisms are micro-organisms, plants and animals whose genetic make-up has been altered by genetic engineering technologies. In the UK their development and use – from laboratory and experimental trial to market – is subject to regulation. The legislation aims to ensure that the possible risks of genetically modified organisms to human health and the environment are properly assessed and controlled.

A genetically modified organism can only be released when consent has been given, on the basis that the genetically modified organism poses a low or effectively zero risk to human health and the environment.

Releases for research trials or marketing of genetically modified organisms are subject to Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 (as amended in 1995 and 1997). These regulations apply to experimental field trials and commercial agriculture. For 'contained use' – in laboratories and factories – the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/2831) applies.

The safety of food products derived from genetically modified organisms is evaluated under the 1997 EC Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients Regulation. The Department of Health is also involved where genetically modified organisms have medical applications. The Patent Office regulates the patenting process.

The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for compliance with regulations. However, consent to proceed is only granted once a full risk assessment has been carried out, by ACRE.

The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) is the statutory body set up to advise Government on risks to the environment from the release of genetically modified organisms. ACRE give advice on the safety of research trials and marketing of genetically modified organisms, based on the UK Regulations. It carries out an assessment of each application and gives advice on any risks posed by the GMO. It also advises whether or not consent should be granted, and whether risk management after release should be a condition of consent.

Advisory bodies

The two key advisory bodies on genetically modified organisms are the Agricultural and Environment Biotechnology Commission and the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes under the Food Standards Agency (FSA):

The Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) is an independent advisory body that provides the UK government and its administrative departments with broad-based strategic advice on developments in biotechnology and their implications for agriculture and the environment. The AEBC works alongside the Human Genetics Commission (HGC).

The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) is an independent scientific committee which advises the FSA on matters relating to novel foods (including genetically modified foods) and novel processes. The committee carries out safety assessments of any novel food or process submitted for approval under the regulations.

The Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) advises government when approval is required under the pesticides legislation to apply a particular pesticide to a genetically modified pesticide-resistant crop.