Regulatory Framework of Genetically Modified Plants in Japan

Abstract

Japan regulates genetically modified plants within a framework of safety evaluations related to their consumption as food or animal feed and their impact on biological diversity. The evaluations are conducted by the Food Safety Commission under the Cabinet Office, the Agricultural Materials Council under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), and the Biodiversity Impact Assessment Group under the MAFF and the Ministry of the Environment. Japan adopts the point of view that genetic modification technology shall be،،used with close attention to its safety". As of 2006, genetically modified plants are not cultivated in Japan. However large amounts of genetically modified crops, Such as soybeans, corn, rapeseed, and cotton, are imported into Japan as commodities. It is ironic that the special attention given to genetically modified components in the labeling requirements for processed foods may be impeding public acceptance of genetic modification.