Biotech Foods in Europe: Implementing Risk Analysis

In order to manage the risks arising from transgenic organisms in Europe, public engagement in policy-making is important. Involving lay people in decision-making is an innovative and developing approach in European policy making and risk analysis. Food risks are a special category of risk, inherent in European culture and society. So the approach in managing the risks from harm should be dealt with sensitively. The challenge lies with the fine balance that needs to be achieved in the European Free Market, and the dynamic nature of biotechnology. It is proposed that European policy making should be more receptive to the needs and desires of the general voting public(s). This can only be achieved by a greater public understanding of technological risks. The present culture of mis- or lack-of-information needs to change.