Because genetic modification techniques enable the transfer of genetic material between unrelated organisms which would not cross under natural conditions, many countries, including the UK, consider it important to take a precautionary approach by implementing regulatory mechanisms. Our regulatory regime was put in place to ensure that the potential adverse effects of GMOs are identified, and that the risk they might pose to human health and the environment is evaluated. The approach to risk assessment is set out in Box 3. Under our regulatory regime, the GM crop itself must pose a low or even effectively zero risk to human health and the environment in order to receive approval. In the marketing applications considered to date, the risks have been assessed taking into account that the management of the GM crops would be in accordance with good agricultural practice.
Research programmes are in place to underpin risk assessment and to support the regulatory regime.
Assess the likelihood of those hazards being realised under the conditions of the proposed release. Consider implementation of risk management procedures. It may be possible to reduce the likelihood of hazards being realised by implementing risk management, particularly for early research trials. For example, GM crops may be separated from conventional crops by means of isolation and the planting of non-GM border rows to act as pollen traps in order to minimise pollen flow outside the trial. Take into account any risk management procedures and come to an estimation of the overall risk.