On the 17 December 1998 the Government announced a review of the framework for overseeing developments in biotechnology. This was co-ordinated jointly by OSI and the Cabinet Office and the full report was published in May 1999
The review found that there was confidence in the existing system of careful, case by case, assessment of new biotechnology products and processes. However, it recommended that the system should be strengthened by two new strategic commissions to take a broader, long-term view of developments in the technology:
- the Human Genetics Commission to advise on applications of biotechnology in healthcare, and the impact of human genetics on people's lives
- the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission to cover the use of biotechnology in agriculture and its environmental effects.
These have worked alongside the Food Standards Agency which has responsibility for GM food.
