Agricultural biotechnology has been hailed by some as the solution to world food security problems or, by others, as one of the worst environmental health threats. From a scientific standpoint, scarcity of data and lack of comprehensive analyses have limited the emergence of fact-based conclusions. Nonetheless, in the past ten years, the potential human health hazards for transgenic crops have been identified and, to some extent, characterized: in general, novel traits, that result of genetic modification, raise concerns of toxicity and allergenicity due to the added proteins; unintended modifications of the recipient plant are related to enhanced toxicity. Related to health are two major ecological risks: non-target effects and invasiveness. A complete risk assessment requires data on the specific genetic modification; however, based on generic hazards, and information on the crop species, a summary evaluation of risks can be made. The purpose of this work is to compare generic risks among most important crop plants for food production, and relate it to patterns of cultivation and consumption. Information on pathways of exposure, consumption patterns, dose response and on sensitive subpopulations is used to characterize risks; uncertainties are identified as part of the process. Implications of these risks are also discussed, especially for developing countries.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Identify the generic health hazards of transgenic crops; 2. List the crops that are most important for world food security (key crops); 3. Describe a framework to assess generic risks of transgenic key crops; 4. Evaluate the impact of biotechnology-derived risks on world food security.
Keywords: Risk Assessment, Food Security
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.