The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority will consult a national committee in assessing the food safety of the fish, with reference to guidelines established by the UN and World Health Organisation.
Channel NewsAsia 1 Mar 16;
SINGAPORE: Those who wish to sell genetically-modified (GM) fish in Singapore for human consumption must first seek approval from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), said Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (Mar 1).
In a written parliamentary reply to Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Leon Perera, Mr Wong said the AVA will consult the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) in assessing the food safety of the fish, with reference to guidelines established by United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation and World Health Organisation.
GMAC is a national committee comprising representatives from government agencies, research bodies and other supporting organisations overseeing aspects of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in Singapore - such as research and development, production and handling.
Mr Wong said those who wish to conduct research on GM animals including fish, must also first obtain GMAC's approval.
"In deciding whether to allow the proposal to proceed, GMAC will consider whether appropriate measures are in place for the safe containment, handling and transport of the GM animals, in accordance with the Singapore Biosafety Guidelines for Research on GMOs," said Mr Wong. "This is to keep research safe and ensure public and environmental safety."
- CNA/hs
