EFSA launches public consultation on GMO feeding trials
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a public consultation on the use of animal feeding trials to assess the safety and nutritional value of genetically modified (GM) food and feed. Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to comment on a report drafted by EFSA's GMO panel, which outlines the different scientific tests available, including animal feeding trials, for the risk assessment of GM plants. Comments are particularly welcomed on the recommendations made by the report. A key recommendation is that any risk assessment of GM food/feed should first consider whether initial studies using 'in silico' and 'in vitro' approaches could answer some of the safety questions, before indicating the need for subsequent 'in vivo' studies, such as animal feeding trials. The paper also discusses in depth the strengths and weaknesses of repeated dose animal feeding trials for the risk assessment of whole GM food or feed. It recommends that such feeding trials should be considered when there are substantial differences between the GM plant and its conventional counterpart, or where there is the potential for unintended effects.