Comparative study on safety protocols of GM foods approved in developed and developing countries, and possibilities for Bangladesh

Abstract

A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) has had its DNA altered via modern biotechnology. GM Food is one of the sources to ensure food security for the future, to escape the risk of malnutrition and starvation. Food safety regulations declare any GM food item safe for consumption. The process often references multiple dossiers, following the Codex Alimentarius, the FDA protocols, etc. However, comparative studies for reflecting regulatory practices in context to GM food approval are sparse. The aim of this thesis is to find a clear harmonization between two such safety protocols, one from the USA as a developed country and another from the Philippines as a developing country, by comparatively assessing each of their approval processes for different GM foods with nutritional benefit, which may then be used to discover an applicable regulatory process that may be implemented in Bangladesh. In this thesis comparative analysis between the core information and specific information for Anthocyanin tomatoes from the USA and Golden rice from the Philippines is done, then in accordance with the international standards set by the Codex Alimentarius studied to identify overlaps found with both cases. Identification of where these overlaps also follow the specifications of Bangladeshi guidelines is used to allow for possible harmonization of all three protocols. In light of this information, steps are suggested for the possible adaptation of these processes for the possible approval of GM food in Bangladesh through a harmonized protocol.