How to Do What Is Right, Not What Is Easy: Requirements for Assessment of Genome-Edited and Genetically Modified Organisms under Ethical Guidelines

Summary/AbstractAn ethical assessment is a complex, dynamic and comprehensive process that requires both ethical expertise and practical knowledge. An ethical assessment of a genetically modified organism (GMO, including genome edited organisms) must follow accepted and transparent methods and be based in relevant considerations. In addition, the Ethical guidelines must include a broad and adequate range of values, so that no groups, stakeholders, agents or areas are left out.

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The genetically modified organism shall not be refused? Talking back to the technosciences

Environment and Planning E Nature and Space ◽

10.1177/25148486211042307 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 251484862110423

Author(s):

Barbara Van Dyck ◽

Anneleen Kenis ◽

Andy Stirling

Keyword(s):

Genetically Modified Organisms ◽

Genetically Modified ◽

Theoretical Work ◽

Field Trials ◽

Genetically Modified Organism ◽

Research Technology ◽

Biotechnology Research ◽

The Gift ◽

Grassroots Initiatives ◽

And Control

Starting from Marcel Mauss’ observation that “one has no right to refuse a gift”, this paper explores the politics of refusal in the context of field trials with genetically modified organisms in Flanders (Belgium). Based on a decade of activist research, and focusing on the genetically modified organism field trials of the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology, we show that the business model of this strategic research center – with its triple mission of carrying biotechnology research, technology transfer, and the promotion of biotechnology through communication and lobby activities – fosters a climate in which innovations in the technosciences have to “be accepted”. The future is laid out without including the possibility of refusal. Consternation is great when this is exactly what happens. Irrational fears and lack of understanding or lack of familiarity are invoked to explain refusal. Language of precision, innovation, safety, and control are deployed to re-assure the public. Refusal is not considered a legitimate option. Yet, if farmers and grassroots initiatives would accept the gift of genetically modified organisms, it would mean the acceptance of their dispossession and the impossibility of diverse food sovereignties. Starting from theoretical work on “the gift” and “the politics of refusal”, we argue that recognizing innovation as the intrinsically plural and divergent process it is, entails including options to refuse particular pathways as a first step to open up others. As we will argue, saying no to genetically modified organisms is part of saying yes to peasant autonomy, agrobiodiversity, and peoples’ food sovereignties.

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Production of Certified Reference Materials for the Detection of Genetically Modified Organisms

Journal of AOAC International ◽

10.1093/jaoac/85.3.775 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 85 (3) ◽

pp. 775-779 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Stefanie Trapmann ◽

Heinz Schimmel ◽

Gerard Nico Kramer ◽

Guy van den Eede ◽

Jean Pauwels

Keyword(s):

Reference Materials ◽

Genetically Modified Organisms ◽

Production Control ◽

Certified Reference Materials ◽

Genetically Modified ◽

Base Material ◽

Genetically Modified Organism ◽

International Organization ◽

Roundup Ready

Abstract Certified reference materials (CRMs) are an essential tool in the quality assurance of analytical measurements. They are produced, certified, and used in accordance with relevant ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and BCR (Community Bureau of Reference) guidelines. The Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM; Geel, Belgium) has produced the first powdery genetically modified organism (GMO) CRMs in cooperation with the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (Ispra, Italy). Until now, different weight percentages in the range of 0–5%for 4 GMOs in Europe were produced and certified: Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)-11 and Bt-176 maize, Roundup Ready® soybean, and MON810 maize. Bt-11 and Bt-176 maize and Roundup Ready soybean were produced by IRMM on behalf of Fluka Chemie AG (Buchs, Switzerland). Characterization of used base material is the first step in production and is especially important for GMO CRMs. The production of powdery GMO CRMs and methods used for production control are described. Thorough control of homogeneity and stability are essential for certification of reference materials and ensure validity of the certificate for each bottle of a batch throughout a defined shelf-life. Because production of reference materials and their maintenance are very labor- and cost-intensive tasks, the usefulness of new types of GMO CRMs must be estimated carefully.

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Genetically modified organisms: Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina44020012 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 44 (2) ◽

pp. 87 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Kristina Hug

Keyword(s):

Genetically Modified Organisms ◽

Genetically Modified ◽

Public Attitudes ◽

National Level ◽

Ethical Guidelines ◽

Legal Requirements ◽

European Directives ◽

The Public ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

The World

The objective of this literature review is to analyze the implications of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as well as international and European position regarding such organisms. Method. Review of international and European legal requirements and ethical guidelines and relevant publications, found and accessed with the help of PubMed and Lund University Library databases. Results. The article discusses the main application areas of GMOs, the expansion of using GMOs in the world as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the implications of their usage. It further provides an overview of the suggested ways to tackle or avoid the GMO-related risks. The international and European positions regarding the application of GMOs are discussed and European Directives, Regulations, and ethical guidelines are overviewed. The article further presents the public attitudes towards GMOs in Europe as well as overviews surveys conducted at the national level. Conclusion. Suggested steps to tackle the challenge of developing and managing biotechnology for the benefit of public health and the environment are presented.

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Knowledge of adolescents completing secondary schools concerning genetically modified organisms (GMO)

Ochrona Srodowiska i Zasobów Naturalnych ◽

10.1515/oszn-2016-0013 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 38-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Magdalena Florek-Łuszczki ◽

Stanisław Lachowski ◽

Jarosław Chmielewski ◽

Anna Jurkiewicz

Keyword(s):

Secondary Schools ◽

Genetically Modified Organisms ◽

Genetically Modified ◽

Genetically Modified Organism ◽

Technical Schools ◽

Demographic Traits ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

The Relationship ◽

Type Of School

Abstract The objective of the conducted analyses is the evaluation of the level of knowledge concerning the scope of problems related with genetically modified organism (GMO) amongst adolescents completing secondary schools and the determination of the relationship between the level of this knowledge and the selected demographic traits of the adolescents examined.The scope of problems undertaken was elaborated based on the survey conducted in a group of 500 adolescents from the Lublin Region completing secondary schools, including 250 adolescents attending General Secondary Schools and 250 adolescents attending Agricultural Secondary Technical Schools. The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey, using a questionnaire.The study showed that the majority of adolescents completing secondary schools were not interested at all in the scope of problems concerning GMO. A large part of the respondents (more than 2/5) had a very low level of knowledge of this problem. The greatest differences in the level of knowledge about GMO were observed in subgroups divided according to the type of school attended by the adolescents (General or Agricultural Technical). Respondents who attended General Secondary Schools showed a better knowledge of theoretical problems, whereas those who attended Secondary Agricultural Technical Schools were better familiarised with practical issues.

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