Estrella F. Alabastro
Former Undersecretary
Department of Science and Technology and
Chair, National Committee of Biosafety of the Philippines
Professor, College of Home Economics
University of the Philippines Diliman
http://doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.1999.5713
Abstract
This paper focuses on the food safety assessment and issues of foods derived by modern biotechnology, those produced by manipulation of living organisms at the cellular and molecular levels. Some of the food safety concerns of modern biotech or genetically engineered foods are: allergenicity, possible gene transfer from GMO to microorganisms. International organizations such as FAO-WHO and OECD have held expert consultations to establish food safety assessment procedures. Several countries such as the US, the European Union and Japan have established their food safety procedures for modern biotech foods. In the Philippines, the biosafety guidelines of the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) covers R&D activities in contained facilities up to controlled field tests. The author recommends the issuance of a clear government policy on GMOs so that regulatory agencies can have a framework within which rules, guidelines and procedures can be established. Since several agencies will be involved, the author further recommended the establishment of an overarching body that can span departmental responsibilities.