Definition of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) [3]

• Plants, animals or bacteria that have one or a few selected genes from other organisms introduced
• Use of modern gene technology
• Food and feed which contain or consist or produced from GMOs -> genetically modified (GM) food or feed
  

Import of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Guidelines from: Genetic Modification Advisory Committee of Singapore (GMAC) [1]

Purpose of guidelines: [2]
1. the assessment of risks of agriculture-related GMOs to human health and the environment; and
2. the approval mechanisms for their release in Singapore

Process for the evaluation and approval of agriculture-related GMOs in Singapore [2]

Proponent - any person, firm, company, institution or organisation planning to release agriculture-related GMOs into Singapore

Benefits of GM Food:

1. Increase in nutrient content of food
2. Decrease allergenicity
3. Enhanced taste and quality
4. Reduced maturation time
5. Increased yields and stress tolerance
6. Improved resistance to disease, pests, and herbicides
7. New products and growing techniques
8. "Friendly" bioherbicides and bioinsecticides
9. Conservation of soil, water, and energy
10. Bioprocessing for forestry products
11. Better natural waste management
12. More efficient food production
13. Increased food security for growing populations

Disadvantages of GM Food: [4]

1. Potential human health impact: allergens, transfer of antibiotic resistance markers, unknown effects
2. Potential environmental impact: unintended transfer of transgenes through cross-pollination, unknown effects on other organisms (e.g., soil microbes), and loss of flora and fauna biodiversity
3. Biopiracy—foreign exploitation of natural resources
4. Violation of natural organisms' intrinsic values
5. Tampering with nature by mixing genes among species
6. Objections to consuming animal genes in plants and vice versa
7. Labeling: Not mandatory in some countries (e.g., United States) and mixing GM crops with non-GM confounds labeling attempts

[1] Import, Export and Transshipment of Plants. (2008, may 8).Available at: http://www.ava.gov.sg/AVA/Templates/AVA-GenericContentTemplate.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2fAgricultureFisheriesSector%2fImportExportTransOfPlants%2f&NRNODEGUID=%7b1FB21A62-549B-4673-81ED-E9B18E4312BA%7d&NRCACHEHINT=Guest#gmo [Accessed on 3 June 2008]
[2] Singapore Guidelines on the Release of Agriculture-related GMOs. (2007). Available at: http://www.gmac.gov.sg/Index_Singapore_Guidelines_on_the_Release_of_Agriculture_Related_GMOs.html [Accessed on 3 June 2008]
[3] http://www.ava.gov.sg/FoodSector/FoodSafetyEducation/Food+Facts/AtoZOnFoodSafety/index.htm
[4] Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms. (2007 July 24). Available at: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml [Accessed on 4th May 2008]