The Government approved at its session today a regulation, according to which at the initiation of experiments with genetically modified animals risk analysis should be performed at first, and on the basis of the analysis results permit for the experiment should be applied for. According to Ms. Liina Eek-Piirsoo, Chief Specialist of the Nature Protection Department of the Ministry of the Environment, permits for experiments with genetically modified animals will be granted by the Ministry of Agriculture while results of the risk analysis will be evaluated by the Advisory Committee for Genetic Modification at the Ministry of the Environment. "The Commission will evaluate whether sufficient safety level for the animals, the environment, and public health will be secured while performing the experiments," said Ms. Eek-Piirsoo. Experiments with genetically modified animals are primarily performed in biological medicine and at the production of vaccines. To date, the use of genetically modified animals had not been regulated in Estonia. For additional information please contact: |
