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Belgian expert commission presents misleading report on NGT plants

Reasoning for deregulation without substance

26 March 2024 / Most experts from EU member states are likely to find the latest report from the Belgian Superior Health Council (SHC) not very helpful. Apparently, the report was published to support the Belgian Council Presidency and the EU Commission in their efforts to deregulate plants obtained by new genetic engineering (NGT). However, the content is disappointing and partly misleading.

Turning point in the debate on NGT plants

Report by French authority emphasises need for risk assessment

7 March 2024 / A recently published report by the French Agency for Environmental Protection and Food Safety (ANSES) emphasises the need for mandatory risk assessment of plants derived from new genetic engineering (New GE or NGT). The authority demands that both intended and unintended genetic modifications must be taken into account. ANSES shows that the properties of NGT plants cannot be equated with those from conventional breeding.

NGT rice on its way to the fields?

Recent research shows increasing need for detailed risk assessment

6 March 2024 / The first rice obtained from new genetic engineering (NGTs) could soon be commercially available in Japan, according to a recent publication. The available data show that it is unlikely the NGT rice could be obtained from conventional breeding techniques. It thus requires in-depth assessment of health and environmental risks. However, according to the plans of the EU Commission, the rice also may be grown in Europe, without in-depth risk assessment.