Risk assessment strategies for transgenic plants

Advances in recombinant DNA technology have created advantages for the development of plants with high agro-economical values. Since the production of transgenic plants, some issues concerning the safe use of these plants and their products have been under debate throughout the world. In this respect, the potential risks and benefits of transgenic plants need to be evaluated objectively. Risk assessment of transgenic crops is a basic prerequisite for monitoring the possible risks that could arise upon the release and use of transgenic plants. To get a meaningful tool for decision making, risk assessment needs to be carried out in a scientific sound and transparent manner. There are specific governmental regulations in many countries for the safety assessment of genetically modified (GM) crops. Furthermore, there are some international agreements, which regulate the cultivation and commercialization of transgenic plants and their derivatives. Internationally accepted risk assessment strategies have been performed to evaluate the safe use of a large variety of GM crops. The main objectives of these regulations and risk assessment strategies are focused to protect human/animal health and the environment.