The majority of OECD Member countries have a system for the safety assessment and regulation of novel foods and feeds, including products of modern biotechnology. This work programme was established with the goal of promoting international harmonisation in the safety of novel foods and feeds.

Commercialisation of a number of biotechnology products in OECD Member countries, particularly new crop varieties, has moved into international trade. In this context, international harmonisation of regulatory assessment of novel foods and feeds will ensure the protection of human and animal health.

The outputs of this work programme are intended to be used by governments, industry and other stakeholders.

The major component of the programme is the development of consensus documents that provide information on critical parameters of food safety and nutrition for each food crop.

The other important part is the outreach acitivity, including BioTrack Online which focuses on information related to the regulation in OECD countries as well as to novel food and feed products .

The programme also adresses other emerging issues that will promote and facilitate harmonisation in the safety assessment and regulation of novel foods and feeds.

More