Defining a safe genetically modified organism: Boundaries of scientific risk assessment

The development and commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) crops continues despite persisting uncertainties regarding environmental impacts. Canada is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of GM crops. Regulators have claimed that existing federal policies for assessing environmental hazards are ‘science-based’ and sufficiently precautionary. We challenge this by examining the scientific data used to approve one variety of GM canola for environmental release. We argue that the legitimacy and plausibility of the regulatory decision rests significantly on boundaries constructed around the definition of a ‘science-based risk assessment’. We advocate a stronger role for the precautionary principle as a regulatory style that recognises the importance of scientific knowledge yet also the limitations and negotiated nature of science, and the need for more open, participatory decision-making processes. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.