How to approach the regulatory conundrum?

Abstract

There is a need for a stronger regulatory system to ensure food safety and to promote public acceptance of GM food. The great promise—more-nutritious foods, better pharmaceuticals, and plants producing antibodies and edible vaccines will not deliver if these are not considered to be safe and that federal agencies be relied upon guarantee that safety? The present voluntary regulatory system does not require comprehensive scientific review. Testing for safety is legally mandated in other countries but not in the US? The process should be transparent so that consumers know what is going on. The bottom line for many consumer advocates is mandatory pre-market approval of GM foods and case-by-case environmental assessment. Containment and segregation procedures now in place may not be fully effective and that USDA is doing little to enforce rules already on the books.