In the US, the biotechnology industry designed biotechnology regulations as a tool to encourage consumer acceptance of GMOs.77 As a voluntary system rather than a mandatory one, US regulation fails to meet international standards, undermining public trust and disrupting trade relationships.78,79
Recently, GMOs made through new genomic techniques such as gene editing have entered the market largely unregulated and unlabeled. While these new GMOs are, by international standards, genetically modified organisms, industry-led campaigns in the US and EU are seeking the same regulatory pathways as traditionally bred organisms, placing non-GMO and organic supply chains in peril.80,81,82
The corporate secrecy surrounding products made from new genomic techniques compromise accountability, common sense precautionary measures and the public's right to know how their food is made.83 For comparison, a transparent and accountable system that highlights science in the public interest would welcome input from scientists, farmers and citizens with a stake in the outcome.