In-vitro plant gene editing techniques that are used conventionally and have a long safety record are excluded from EU laws restricting the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Europe’s highest court said [February 7].
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“Organisms obtained by the in vitro application of a technique/method of mutagenesis which has conventionally been used in a number of in vivo applications and has a long safety record with regard to those applications are excluded from the scope of that directive,” the CJEU said.
Environmentalists, anti-GM groups and farmers have said allowing gene editing would usher in a new era of “GMO 2.0” via the backdoor.
The bioindustry however argued that gene editing could result in hardier and more nutritious crops – as well as offering drug companies new ways to fight human disease.
Read the full CJEU ruling by clicking here.
[Editor’s note: This title has been updated to better reflect the ruling.]
