Why are the rules for approving GM foods less stringent than those for new drugs produced using the same technology?
Approval for GM foods is not less stringent than for drugs, it is conducted under a different protocol. The government regards GM foods as “food” and not drugs or therapeutic substances. New drugs must be assessed rigorously for possible side effects on human health. They must also be tested for efficacy. Clinical trials of drugs, where safety and efficacy have clear criteria and outcomes, are very different in concept from the approval of a food for its general nutritional outcome. GM foods must meet strict food safety standards and undergo rigorous safety assessment before approval is given for release onto the market. In most cases the GM food product or ingredient is identical in makeup to the conventional product. If not, then the food product must be labelled.
