“Agriculture-related organisms” refers to animals (including fish and invertebrates), plants, microorganisms and vaccines used in cultivation, farming, agronomy, husbandry and horticulture or as food.
GMAC has established a subcommittee to evaluate, advice, and make recommendations on proposed releases of agriculture-related genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Singapore.
The terms of reference of the Subcommittee are as follows:
- To draft revisions of the Singapore Guidelines on the Release of Agriculture-Related GMOs, when necessary, for GMAC’s approval;
- To designate the various agencies (ie. AVA, NEA, MOH, NParks) to implement the Guidelines using their existing legislation;
- To assess the risks associated with the release of agriculture-related GMOs or recommend to GMAC to appoint an expert panel if necessary;
- To make recommendations to GMAC on the approval for release of agriculture-related GMOs
- To assess the risks associated with the release of agriculture-related GMOs or recommend to GMAC to appoint an expert panel if necessary;
- To monitor the control of release of agriculture-related GMOs in the environment by the relevant agency
In 1999, GMAC published the Singapore Guidelines on the Release of Agriculture-Related GMOs to ensure the safe movement and use of such organisms in Singapore. In particular, we work very closely with regulatory agencies such as the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority to ensure that all GM foods commercially available in Singapore are at least as safe as their conventional counterparts.
The Subcommittee on the Release of Agriculture-Related GMOs makes science-based risk assessments of proposed releases of agriculture-related GMOs. Its recommendations are forwarded to the GMAC main committee, which decides whether or not it will endorse the application. The regulatory authorities will take into account GMAC’s advice when considering the official approval of agriculture-related GMOs.
The Subcommittee consists of scientific experts as well as representatives from the regulatory authorities. When necessary, ad hoc expert panels will be appointed for particular cases.
The composition of the Subcommittee is as follows:
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Chairman
Assoc Prof Peter Dröge
Division of Molecular Biology & Genetics
School of Biological Sciences
Nanyang Technological University
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Subcommittee Members |
Ms Lee Siew Mooi
Deputy Director (Technology)
Planning & Management Dept
Agri-food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore
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Dr Rama Narayana Deepak
Consultant (Microbiology)
Singapore General Hospital
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Dr Hong Yan
Director
Strategic Research Program
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory
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Dr Yin Zhong Chao
Associate Director
Strategic Research Program
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory
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Dr He Yuehui
Senior Principal Investigator
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory
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Release Subcommittee - Ad-hoc panel |
Prof Zhou Weibiao
Food Science and Technology Program
Department of Chemistry
National University of Singapore
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Dr Lim Chee Wee
Deputy Director
Import/Export Regulation Division
Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore
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Prof Jimmy Kwang
Senior Director
Strategic Research Program
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory
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For more information on the work of the Subcommittee, please see:
Various Agencies, 6 Nov 2008
Multi-Agency Circular on Biosafety Guidelines for Research, Release and Importation of GMOs
The Straits Times, 25 Mar 2008
All Food Here, Including GM Food, Safe to Eat: AVA
The Business Times, 8 Mar 2008
Guardian of Singapore's Food Supply
The Straits Times, 21 Jun 2006
GM Food Facts
The Straits Times, 21 Jun 2006
Test-Tube Foods Still a Hot Potato
The Straits Times, 9 Jun 2004
GM Food Here Tested for Safety
GMAC, 20 Aug 1999
Singapore Guidelines on the Release of Agriculture-Related GMOs |
