The definition, source, manifestation and assessment of unintended effects in genetically modified plants

Abstract

At present, there is consensus among many relevant international agencies that unintended effects should be paid particular attention in the process of edible safety assessment of genetically modified plants (GMPs) and their products, especially in regard to some long-term and potential food safety issues. However, with respect to the current risk assessment of GMPs, serious dissension on the apprehension of unintended effects exists. The present paper interprets and systematically analyses this dissension in order to review development on the definition, source and manifestation of unintended effects in GMPs. First, differences in the various concepts of unintended effect are discussed and compared. Then the mechanisms whereby unintended effects may arise during GMP breeding are analysed and the main unexpected variation manifestations in GMPs are presented. With regard to the safety assessment of unintended effects in GMPs, the current evaluation strategy, detection methods and several assessment cases are expounded. In addition, the unique assessment standard for unintended effects in GMPs in China is outlined.

Non-Uniform Distribution Pattern for Differentially Expressed Genes of Transgenic Rice Huahui 1 at Different Developmental Stages and Environments

“…Such concerns focus on whether random insertion of transgenes into host plant genomes would result in unpredicted changes in expression pattern of other intrinsic genes, leading to unintended effects on GM crops and their products [2] . It is generally agreed that unintended effects should be paid particular attention in the process of safety assessment of GM crops and their products, especially in regard to some long-term and potential food safety issues [3] .…”

Biology and genetic engineering of fruit maturation for enhanced quality and shelf-life

“…Of course, given that the safety of crops is a primary concern for both producers and consumers, it is necessary to define the risk and unintended effects in genetically modified plants [50], including the effects of a specific gene and the possible effects in a susceptible subgroup of consumers [51]. Although many of the target genes that result from emerging genomics approaches may not in themselves be candidates for direct manipulation, they may represent DNA sequences that can be exploited as markers in breeding programs to select for allelic variation, which can be tested and potentially used for the alteration of target traits.…”

Social representations of genetically modified foods and public willingness to consume such foods in Taiwan

“…Fear of unnaturalness plays a major role when evaluating powerful technology such as genetic engineering . Advocates and opponents of GM foods have received substantial attention in recent years for highlighting the positive production efficiency and costs of such foods, as well as the unpredictable risks for humans, animals, and the environment . Concerns regarding safer foods and growing environmental awareness have led people to question modern agricultural practices .…”

“…17 Advocates and opponents of GM foods have received substantial attention in recent years for highlighting the positive production efficiency and costs of such foods, as well as the unpredictable risks for humans, animals, and the environment. 15,16,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Concerns regarding safer foods and growing environmental awareness have led people to question modern agricultural practices. 25,26 Although genetic engineering can improve crop responses to climate change and boost the nutrient density of staple crops, attention must be paid to the unique risks that each new trait may pose.…”