Genetically modified plants and food/feed: Risk assessment considerations

Genetic modification has been used for over 20 years to produce genetically modified plants (GMPs) and derived food and feed products. Recent scientific developments in molecular and synthetic biology enable the (targeted) engineering of new generation GMPs, and are widening the spectrum of plant species and traits that can be modified. While existing approaches for prospective risk assessments of contemporary GMPs are considered comprehensive and adequate for new generation GMPs, there are instances where specific risk assessment aspects may require adjustment. For such cases the problem formulation remains an useful framework to perform case-specific and fit-for-purpose risk assessments.