21 June 2012: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a public consultation on the draft guidance for the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) animals.

The document focuses on methodologies and data requirements for conducting risk analyses of GM fish, insects, mammals and birds when applying for market authorization in the EU. The assessment covers, among other issues: interactions of GM animals with target and non-target organisms; environmental impacts of the techniques used to rear or keep the GM animal; and the impact of the GM animal on human and animal health. The document also describes several cross-cutting considerations that need to be accounted for, such as long-term effects of GM animals, analysis of uncertainties and the choice of an appropriate non-GM comparator.

Stakeholders and all interested parties are invited to comment on the draft guidance through EFSA’s website until 31 August 2012. A revised guidance document will be issued in late 2012. [EFSA Press Release] [Publication: Guidance on the Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Animals] [Consultation Webpage]