Division 1.6.2 Points to consider for the nutritional assessment of genetically modified food and feed

The nutritional assessment of genetically modified food and feed shall consider:

1. (a)

   the composition of the genetically modified food and feed with regard to the levels of nutrients and anti-nutrients (see compositional studies as described in Section 1.3);

2. (b)

   the bioavailability and biological efficacy of nutrients in the food and feed taking into account the potential influences of transport, storage and expected treatment of the food and feed;

3. (c)

   the anticipated dietary intake of the food and feed (see Section 2) and resulting nutritional impact.

When the comparative analysis has identified compositional characteristics of the genetically modified food and feed that are different from its conventional counterpart and/or not equivalent to the characteristics of the reference varieties, their nutritional relevance shall be assessed on the basis of current scientific knowledge. If that assessment does conclude to the nutritional equivalence between the genetically modified food and feed and its conventional counterpart, no further studies shall be carried out. By contrast if, on the basis of the assessment of the information obtained from the comparative analysis, it is not possible to conclude on the nutritional equivalence, further nutritional studies shall be carried out. Comparative growth studies shall be conducted with young rapidly growing animal species (such as broiler chicks as animal model for non-ruminants; lambs for ruminants; or other rapidly growing species).