Background 
The global market has benefited from the utilization of biotechnology to increase food production, improve nutrient content of foods and provide better production and storage characteristics. Technological advancement, followed by development and commercialization of biotechnology-derived products has created unique challenges for producers and agricultural commodities, food manufacturers, regulatory authorities and consumers worldwide. Safety assessment of genetically modified (GM) crops for human consumption, and the biomedical application of biotechnology-derived products in the interaction of nutrition and genomics, are some of the pertinent scientific issues for scientists, policy makers and opinion leaders in the region.
Recognizing the importance of addressing these issues, the Biotechnology Task Force focuses on:
- Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- Improvement in Nutritional Status Through Biotechnology
- Potential for Health Improvement Through Nutrient-Gene Interaction
ILSI SEA Region has provided regional governments and scientists with the most current information on safety assessment of GM crops and food products derived from them. The potential for the application of biotechnology to improve nutritional status of the populations has also been shared. In addition, the Task Force is keen to address issues that may hinder consumer acceptance and how best they can be educated on the safety and benefits of biotechnology.
Objectives
The Task Force’s objectives are:
- To provide scientific and regulatory bodies with the global perspective on the safety and regulatory aspects of GM foods and products derived from them through seminars, training workshops and publications;
- To facilitate a harmonized and science-based regulatory framework and methodology on GM foods and testing in ASEAN; and
- To promote research interest and understanding of the use of biotechnology in nutrition and health improvement for Asian populations by facilitating collaboration among scientists in the field of nutrition, agriculture, food technology and medical sciences.
Activities Undertaken
- ASEAN-ILSI Training Workshop Series on Safety and Risk Assessment of Agriculture-related GMOs
- Workshop on GM-Foods Detection Methodology
- Publication of report of the ASEAN-ILSI Training Workshop on Safety and Risk Assessment of Agriculture-related GMOs
- ILSI’s 1st International Conference on Nutrigenomics – Opportunities in Asia
- Survey on Consumer Knowledge, Perceptions and Attitudes Towards GM Foods (In collaboration with the National Institute of Education, Singapore), On-going
- Compilation of Executive Summary, Presenations and Conference Highlights of ILSI’s First International Conference on Nutrigenomics: Opportunities in Asia, in CD-ROM format, April, 2006
Upcoming Activities
- Publication of Monograph and Development of CD-ROM Training Tool on Safety Assessment of GM Foods, 3rd Quarter, 2006
- Publication of Proceedings of ILSI’s First International Conference on Nutrigenomics: Opportunities in Asia, 3rd Quarter, 2006
- Workshop on GMO Detection Methods (In collaboration with ILSI International Food Biotech Committee), 4th Quarter, 2006
Latest Publications
- Executive Summary, Presentations and Conference Highlights of ILSI’s First International Conference on Nutrigenomics: Opportunities in Asia, in CD-ROM format, April, 2006
- Proceedings of Symposium and Workshop on Biotechnology-Derived Nutritious Foods : Challenges and Opportunities in Asia, Food and Nutrition Bulletin, UNU Press, Vol 26, No 4
Contact Person
Ms Anna Jacob
Associate Director, Scientific Programs
ILSI Southeast Asia Region
1 Newton Road, Goldhill Plaza
Podium Block #03-45
Singapore 308899
Tel: (65) 63525 220
Fax: (65) 63525 536
Email: annajacob@ilsisea.org.sg