Outcome of the public consultation on the draft Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of existing guidelines for their adequacy for the microbial characterisation and environmental risk assessment of micro‐organisms obtained through synthetic biology

Abstract

Outcome of the public consultation on the draft Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of existing guidelines for their adequacy for the microbial characterisation and environmental risk assessment of microorganisms obtained through synthetic biology European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Challenges for the Post-Market Environmental Monitoring in the European Union Imposed by Novel Applications of Genetically Modified and Genome-Edited Organisms

“…The authority evaluated whether the release of the GM virus would result in novel risks to those already presented by CTV strains naturally occurring in the US. In addition, two other studies reviewed the GM CTV-SoD application: EFSA discussed the CTV-SoD virus application as a case study in the framework of an opinion analyzing different microorganisms derived from synthetic biology [ 89 ]. Another recent study reviewed environmental applications of GM viruses, including the GM CTV-SoD application, as an example of a GM virus used to treat a bacterial plant disease [ 88 ].…”

“…Many fruit trees can spread into semi-natural or natural habitats by pollen and seeds, but also by vegetative dispersal (e.g., root suckers). It is unknown whether seed, fruit, or vector insects like aphids can disperse the GM virus under European conditions [ 89 ]. So far, it remains unclear whether the GM virus is restricted to the cultivation areas of fruit trees (orchards) inoculated with GM virus-infected scions, or if the exposure could extend outside these horticultural areas.…”

“…The potentially exposed environments in the EU are largely restricted to the warmer regions of Europe, such as the Mediterranean region, where these plants are cultivated or thrive in natural habitats. Among potential hosts, citrus rootstocks, e.g., the trifoliate orange ( Poncirus trifoliata ) or ornamental citrus plants such as the calamondin orange ( Citrofortunella microcarpa ), may also be relevant [ 89 ].…”