The studies examined by the agencies are done by the companies seeking the approvals as well as by independent researchers. Numerous specific issues are examined during regulatory reviews. These may include potential allergenic effects among people from the modified food, unintended changes in the nutritional content of foods, and the potential for environmental problems. To address any outstanding concerns, limitations and conditions may be imposed on where and how the crops may be grown and on whether resulting food must be labeled. For example, if a gene that allows a plant to tolerate a particular herbicide were able to cross to a weedy species present nearby, the question of alternative herbicides to control that weed would be examined.
Judgment is used by biotechnology companies as well.
Bio-engineered crops undergo testing on farm fields in various regions and growing conditions prior to final approval by regulatory agencies. Globally, since 1982, more than 3,600 on-farm tests involving 56 different crops and 34 countries have been governmentally authorized. Given future population growth , the risk of not continuing to pursue high-yield agriculture, including biotechnology, is very real and grave. It might mean the destruction of millions of acres of undeveloped land, with disastrous biodiversity consequences, to feed our new fellow human beings. It is a question of not whether, but of when, and of how turbulent it may be.