The meaningless pseudo-category of "GMOs": The trouble with the "new techniques" for genetically modifying crops demonstrates the illogical process-based definition of GMOs in EU regulation.

I n the early 1970s, when recombinant DNA technology became available, scientists exercised a healthy amount of caution. Within just a few years, as effective laboratory safety rules were established, it became clear that DNA recombinant organisms posed no greater risk than any other biotechnology, including particularly agricultural biotechnology. This evident lack of special risk is what has led biologists and geneticists to make explicit and reiterated requests to political decision-makers that regulations governing genetically modified organisms should rationally assess the characteristics of the individual product of such genetic manipulation, rather than be based on unfounded fears related to the process of creating recombinant organisms. ...................................................... “. . . we have tools and standards to assess the safety of such plant products— whether food or non-food—and unsatisfactory or dangerous outcomes simply end up in the waste bin. . .” ......................................................