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What if algorithms decided what we should eat by looking at our DNA?
Algorithm-generated diets tailored to our individual needs could bring health benefits, but at the cost of having to share our most personal data, such as our DNA. The promises are many, but so are the open questions about interactions between genes, nutrients, environment and health, and the role of socioeconomic factors underlying food choices. Precision nutrition advice, services and products will need to be governed by a range of laws and policies, as they are at the intersection between food ...
Legislation for plants produced by certain new genomic techniques
The IA argues that existing GMO legislation is not fit for purpose for plants and their food and feed products developed using certain new genomic techniques (NGTs) and that their resulting limited uptake in the EU might lead to missed opportunities to reach the EU's sustainability objectives. It suggests four policy options (POs) in addition to the baseline and assesses their economic, environmental and social/health impacts. The assessment is predominantly qualitative and is based on the stakeholders ...
'Save bees and farmers': A European Citizens' Initiative on bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment
Between 2019 and 2021, the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) 'Save bees and farmers!' collected more than 1 million signatures. The ECI calls for a reduction in the use of pesticides, leading to a complete phasing-out by 2035. The European Commission has welcomed the initiative. The European Parliament, after a hearing held in January 2023, will discuss it during its March I plenary session.
Genome-edited crops and 21st century food system challenges
Genome editing is the targeted alteration of a few DNA letters within the existing genetic blueprint of an organism. By far the most widely used genome-editing tool is CRISPR-Cas. CRISPR-Cas genome-editing technology can be applied in a number of different ways. The genetic changes that are introduced by means of the SDN1 and SDN2 types of CRISPR-Cas technology do not differ from changes that can occur naturally or result from conventional breeding. While CRISPR-Cas technology is highly accurate, ...
What if xenotransplantation was the answer to the donor organ shortage?
Xenotransplantation, defined as the transplantation of animal derived organs and cells into humans, is currently a very active focus of research as it overrides some of the obstacles encountered with tissue engineering, such as vascularization and innervation. The resurgence of interest in xenotransplantation is mainly attributed to the improvement of gene editing techniques (such as CRISPR/Cas9), since genetically engineered animals have been generated to overcome organ rejection. However, xenotransplantation ...
New genomic techniques: European Commission study and first reactions
On 29 April 2021, the European Commission presented a study on the status of new genomic techniques (NGTs) under EU law. The Council had asked for this study in the context of a 2018 European Court of Justice judgment and the practical questions raised by it. The Commission study examines the implementation of EU legislation on NGTs, based on consultations with the Member States and stakeholders. It provides information on the status and use of NGTs in plants, animals and micro-organisms for agri-food ...
New plant-breeding techniques: Applicability of EU GMO rules
New plant genetic modification techniques, referred to as 'gene editing' or 'genome editing', have evolved rapidly in recent years, allowing much faster and more precise results than conventional plant-breeding techniques. They are seen as a promising innovative field for the agri-food industry, offering great technical potential. Consumers could benefit from enhanced nutritional quality or reduced allergenicity of food, for example, such as gluten-reduced wheat. There is, however, considerable debate ...
New plant-breeding techniques: Applicability of EU GMO rules
New plant genetic modification techniques, referred to as 'gene editing' or 'genome editing', have evolved rapidly in recent years, allowing much faster and more precise results than conventional plant-breeding techniques. They are seen as a promising innovative field for the agri-food industry, offering great technical potential. There is, however, considerable debate as to how these new techniques should be regulated, and whether some or all of them should fall within the scope of EU legislation ...
What if we genetically engineered an entire species?
‘Gene drives’ are best known for their capacity to suppress malaria by eradicating mosquito populations. However, its applications reach even further, including the potential to eliminate other insect-transmitted diseases, erasing herbicide and pesticide resistance in weeds and pests, and removing invasive species from ecosystems. How do we navigate the potential benefits and significant risks that are involved in gene drive use?
Voedselveiligheid
De doelstellingen van het Europese voedselveiligheidsbeleid zijn tweeledig: de menselijke gezondheid en de consumentenbelangen beschermen en de goede werking van de Europese interne markt bevorderen. Zo zorgt de Europese Unie ervoor dat controlenormen inzake de hygiëne van levensmiddelen en diervoeders, de gezondheid van planten en dieren en de preventie van voedselbesmetting door gevaarlijke stoffen worden opgesteld en nageleefd . De EU regelt ook de etikettering voor levensmiddelen en diervoeders ...