OECD Workshop on the Development of a Unique Identifier for Bacteria

An OECD workshop was held by the Sub-working Group on Micro-organisms of the OECD Working Group on Harmonisation of Regulatory Oversight in Biotechnology (the Working Group), 20-22 June 2007 at Moscow State University.

One of the main objectives was to develop a questionnaire to be used in gathering information for the development of a unique identifier for transgenic bacteria that have gone though the regulatory process leading to commercial application for release into the environment. This is intended to build on the published guidance for transgenic plants, which ensures that databases containing information on such products are completing.

As a result of the discussions in Moscow, a draft questionnaire was produced, some mechanisms to distribute or disseminate the questionnaire were identified, and a variety of potential stakeholders were identified who will be approached. These results are to be submitted to the next meeting of the Working Group to be held in October 2007. The questionnaire will then be circulated to stakeholders and probably to the public through OECD website as well.