EESA10H3S Assignment #2

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Recommended: The issue of genetically modified foods

1. The American regulatory policy forms its main foundation for decisions regarding genetically modified foods through the basis that they are “the product of genetic modification and selection” (Lynch & Vogel, 2001). US regulatory agencies view genetic modifications as “substantially equivalent” to traditional breeding methods unless there is a significant difference (M.J. & A.White, 2010). Due to this, it is a requirement for US agencies to show that GM foods are less safe for usage and concentrate on whether a certain product of genetically modified technology is safe (M.J. & A.White, 2010). US’s approach depends largely on scientific estimates of possible harms and benefits that made up the cost-benefit analysis. America did not rely on the precautionary principle that much for most of its decisions are influenced by the traditional rule - a new action can be taken until it is shown to create essential harm (M.J. & A.White, 2010). By contrast, the EU’s regulations were governed by the process in which genetically engineered products were produced (Lynch & Vogel, 2001). Unlike the US, the European Union and most of its member states have a really strict policy concerning genetically modified foods. They treat GM foods in a different way from the conventional ones; as genetically modified technology combines genes across species of plants and animals. The other part of the rule is that people who want to plant or sell GM foods or plants must prove to regulatory agencies that their plant or food is safe (M.J. & A.White, 2010. Because of the European Union’s distinct focus on technology, it refuses the cost-benefit analysis but instead applies the precautionary principle because the area of genetic modification is filled with lot... ... middle of paper ... ...the United States: A Case Study of Contemporary European Regulatory Politics. Publisher Council on Foreign Relations Press, Retrieved from website: http://www.cfr.org/agricultural-policy/regulation-gmos-europe-united-states-case-study-contemporary-european-regulatory-politics/p8688 M.J., P., & A.White, P. (2010). The EU-US Dispute over Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms, Plants, Feeds, and Foods – Case Summary. International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering, 4-5, 11-12, Retrieved from website: http://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=edethicsinscience White, M. (2013, 9 24). The Scientific Debate about GM Foods Is Over: They’re Safe. Pacific Standard: The Science of Society, Retrieved from website: http://www.psmag.com/navigation/health-and-behavior/scientific-debate-gm-foods-theyre-safe-66711/

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