Genetically modified organisms: do the benefits outweigh the risks?
The objective of this literature review is to analyze the implications of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as well as international and European position regarding such organisms.


METHODS
Review of international and European legal requirements and ethical guidelines and relevant publications, found and accessed with the help of PubMed and Lund University Library databases.


RESULTS
The article discusses the main application areas of GMOs, the expansion of using GMOs in the world as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the implications of their usage. It further provides an overview of the suggested ways to tackle or avoid the GMO-related risks. The international and European positions regarding the application of GMOs are discussed and European Directives, Regulations, and ethical guidelines are overviewed. The article further presents the public attitudes towards GMOs in Europe as well as overviews surveys conducted at the national level.


CONCLUSIONS
Suggested steps to tackle the challenge of developing and managing biotechnology for the benefit of public health and the environment are presented.
Hug
Kristina
K
K. Hug, Department of Medical Ethics, Lund University, BMC C 13, 221 84 Lund, Sweden. Kristina.Hug@med.lu.se
D000383:Agriculture; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D004989:Ethics; D005060:Europe; D005062:European Union; D030841:Food, Genetically Modified / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007603:Jurisprudence; D030781:Organisms, Genetically Modified; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000009:adverse effects; D011639:Public Opinion; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety