STREAMLINING REGULATIONS, KEEPING HIGH SAFETY STANDARDS - REVISED CRITERIA FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF RELEASES OF GENETICALLY-MODIFIED ORGANISMS(GMOS) INTO THE ENVIRONMENT

In order to develop criteria for the assessment of releases of genetic ally modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment in Austria, Austri an scientists and government experts discussed case studies on: microo rganisms, plants and animals. Taking into account the relevant EU and other international regulations, as well as the familiarity and the in ternationally accumulated experience, not only with GMOs but also with recipient organisms as well as traits and environmental conditions, r ecommendations are made to streamline the current risk-assessment proc edure by reducing information requirements on aspects where experience has been gained and concentrating on the new characteristics of the p articular GMO and its environment. On this basis, key criteria for the assessment of releases of genetically modified microorganisms, plants and animals are elaborated and a scheme for the categorization of rel eases of certain transgenic animals is suggested.