A joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on the Safety Assessment of Foods Derived from Genetically Modified Animals, including Fish was held at the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome from 17 to 21 November 2003. A total of 18 experts, including the authors of working papers, participated in the Consultation. The complete list of participants is given in Annex 1.
Mr Hartwig de Haen, Assistant Director-General, Economic and Social Department of FAO, opened the Consultation on behalf of FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In his opening remarks, Mr de Haen highlighted the importance of food safety issues for Member Governments as well for consumers, and the role of FAO and WHO in providing scientific advice and technical guidance to policy-makers and food safety regulators to improve overall food safety and enhance consumer confidence in the safety of the food supply.
Mr de Haen referred to the growing application of modern biotechnology in food production and to the potential benefits that this technology may have on food security, nutritional quality of certain staple foods and human health in general. He indicated, however, that despite the assurances given by scientists and regulators about the lack of any proof of negative effects on consumers’ health of genetically modified (GM) products, the consumers in many countries of the world remain sceptical about these products in general and are demanding more transparency in conducting their safety assessment.
He stressed the importance of this Expert Consultation in providing further scientific guidance on the safety assessment of foods derived from GM animals, including fish. These products are under development in many parts of the world and it was timely to address their safety for the consumer as well as for the environment. Ethical issues surrounding the application of GM technology to the animal kingdom should also be considered.
Mr de Haen reminded the participants of their status as FAO/WHO experts, representing the international scientific community and participating in their personal capacities and not as representatives of their respective institutions or governments.
It was noted that declarations of no conflict of interest had been received from all the experts.
The Consultation elected Dr H. Kuiper as Chairperson and Dr A. Kapuscinski as Rapporteur.
