Risks associated with the use of new genomic techniques on plants
27.10.2021
Question for written answer E-004886/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
César Luena (S&D)
New genetic engineering techniques produce mutations. Such mutations cause specific genetic patterns (genotypes) giving rise to new traits (phenotypes) that can go beyond the limits of genomic organisation.
Using those techniques on plants carries an element of risk, not only in terms of the predicted traits but also the complexity of the process itself, for example, the imprecision of genetic scissors or the use of older techniques to insert DNA from those scissors into plant cells, provoking undesired genome changes. Consequently, the overall safety of the plants produced by these techniques cannot be determined without a detailed, product-based risk assessment and if only the predicted traits are taken into account.
- 1.The initial impact assessment on the legislation governing plants modified by particular new genomic techniques suggests that the Commission intends to deregulate those plants on a large scale. Is this the Commission’s intention?
- 2.How will it manage the risks associated with the techniques and complexity of new genetic engineering?
- 3.These techniques are very likely to pose new and specific risks. How will it address this?