GM (Genetic Modification)

Introduction to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

What is a GMO?

A GMO is defined in the legislation as an organism, with the exception of human beings, in which "the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination".

All living organisms are made up of DNA and/or RNA. Humans have been controlling the genetic make-up of organisms for many years, through intentional and unintentional selective-breeding programmes. Scientists are able to modify this genetic material directly and can transfer material between different organisms in order to alter the organism's characteristics (phenotype).

What's the Government's view on GMOs?

The Government has an open mind about GMOs. Its priority is to protect human health and the environment. The Government is pro-consumer choice and believes in the need for sound science to guide their development and use.

How are GMOs controlled?

The release of GMOs into the environment is controlled by a piece of EU legislation known as "the Deliberate Release Directive". This has been translated into law in England mainly by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 2002. See:

• Regulation and Control pages.

What GMOs have been released?

At present there are only a few GMOs licensed for release under part C of the directive (release for marketing purposes) this includes carnations, oilseed rape and maize. etc. GMOs that have consent for release under Part B of the directive are for research and development purposes. The main example of this are the Farm Scale Evaluations which are studying what effect, if any, there is on the diversity and abundance of farmland wildlife associated with the farmers' management of GM herbicide tolerant crops as compared with equivalent non-GM crops.

• Farm Scale Evaluations pages
• Information on Applications for Releases of GMOs pages for details on what and where GMOs have been released.

Further information on...

• GM Crops in the Farm Scale Evaluations

• GM Animals

• GM Microbes & Viruses

Further background papers on the release of GMOs

• Answers to some frequently asked questions about GM crops and the Farm Scale Evaluations

• Genetically Modified Organisms: The Regulatory Process
• The Legal Framework for Decision Making on the Release and Marketing of GMOs in the European Union
• Risk Assessment for Release and Marketing of GMOs in the European Union