title: The relevance of gene transfer to the safety of food and feed derived from genetically modified (GM) plants.
abstract: In 2000, the thematic network ENTRANSFOOD was launched to assess four different topics that are all related to the testing or assessment of food containing or produced from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Each of the topics was linked to a European Commission (EC)-funded large shared cost action (see http://www.entransfood.com). Since the exchange of genetic information through horizontal (lateral) gene transfer (HGT) might play a more important role, in quantity and quality, than hitherto imagined, a working group dealing with HGT in the context of food and feed safety was established. This working group was linked to the GMOBILITY project (GMOBILITY, 2003) and the results of the deliberations are laid down in this review paper. HGT is reviewed in relation to the potential risks of consuming food or feed derived from transgenic crops. First, the mechanisms for obtaining transgenic crops are described. Next, HGT mechanisms and its possible evolutionary role are described. The use of marker genes is presented in detail as a special case for genes that may pose a risk. Furthermore, the exposure to GMOs and in particular to genetically modified (GM) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is discussed as part of the total risk assessment. The review finishes off with a number of conclusions related to GM food and feed safety. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview to assist risk assessors as well as regulators and the general public in understanding the safety issues related to these mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: European Commission Directorate General Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Biotechnology and GMOs Unit, Via E. Fermi 1-T.P. 331, I-21020 Ispra (VA), Italy. guy.van-den-eede@cec.eu.int
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: van den Eede
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Aarts
authors.forename: H-J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Buhk
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Corthier
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Flint
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hammes
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jacobsen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Midtvedt
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van der Vossen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: von Wright
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wackernagel
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wilcks
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D005062:European Union; D005504:Food Analysis / Q000379:methods; D005523:Food Supply; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D022761:Gene Transfer, Horizontal; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000235:genetics*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*