Brussels, 23 July 2024 

“EuropaBio applauds EFSA’s latest Scientific Opinion which concludes that microorganisms produced via New Genomic Techniques can provide higher efficiency, specificity and predictability of genomic changes than conventional techniques. All microorganisms, whether developed using conventional techniques or NGTs, should be regulated in the same way,” said Anne-Gaëlle, Director of Industrial Biotechnology.

EFSA has published its Scientific Opinion on new developments in biotechnology applied to microorganisms, assessing the use of new genomic techniques in microorganisms. Key conclusions from the opinion include no potential novel hazards/risks for NGTs compared to established techniques while NGTs can also provide higher efficiency, specificity and predictability of genomic changes. The opinion recommends a consistent risk assessment approach for microorganisms, regardless of the techniques used to produce them.

EuropaBio is advocating for a future-proof, product-centric, and proportionate regulatory framework for all microorganisms. Beyond NGTs, the long-term perspective for innovative biotechnology in Europe should also consider a significant modernisation of the EU’s GMO legislation (Directives 2001/18 and 2009/41, and Regulation EC (No) 1829/2003). To keep up with the fast pace of innovation in this sector, legislation should be based on the characteristics of the organisms (or their products) rather than on the techniques used to develop them.