Genetically Modified Organisms and Genetically Edited Organisms: a legislative analysis from the precautionary principle

Abstract

The article analyzes the interference of Genetically Edited foods (GEOs), produced using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, in the realization of the fundamental right to Health, from the perspective of bioethics, the precautionary principle and the concept of Risk Society. It verifies whether the current Brazilian legislation, which disciplines Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), is sufficient to discipline also the new Genetically Edited Organisms. In an analytical perspective with a dialectical approach and through an exploratory descriptive study, it analyzes the differences between GMOs and GEOs, in relation to food production and the possible consequences to human health, resulting from these genetic changes. It also investigates how the topic is treated in other countries, from a legislative perspective, for comparative purposes with the current Brazilian legislation. The verification of the existence of uncertainties, of the most diverse ones, about Genetically Edited Organisms, points to the need for further scientific research, for legislative improvement that contemplates the differences between GMOs and GEOs, as well as for the subject to be properly disclosed., with a view to establishing an adequate regulation system and compatible with its specificities.