GM Regulation
Introduction to the Regulation of GMOs
In all Member States of the European Union including the UK there has been strict legislation controlling the deliberate release into the environment of GMOs since 1990. This regime now has essentially two objectives:
- To protect human health and the environment; and
- To ensure consumer choice.
The legislation has evolved over this period to the position today where almost all assessments of GM products will be approved via the GM Food and Feed Regulations which came into effect in April 2004. The Food Standards Agency lead in the UK on these regulations.
The Regulatory Process outlines all the relevant pieces of legislation currently in force.
Links to other documents:
Links to legislation:
Page published 31 October
2003;
Page last modified
27 July, 2006