Food biotechnology is a broad, encompassing term that applies to a wide range of technologies developed during the past thirty years. Scientists design these technologies, including genetic modification, to improve food safety, reduce pesticide use, and improve the quality attributes of the final food product. After widespread publicity concerning genetically modified (GM) food, especially in Europe, public concern over these developments led some governments to take legislative or administrative action.

Government Response

Different legal systems have had a range of responses, with most variations concerning the labeling and traceability requirements for GM food products. The European Union (EU) and Japan, for instance, require labeling and traceability. In 2006, however, the World Trade Organization (WTO) struck down Europe's moratorium on GM food, but the EU Commission still ...

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