Projects
GMSAFOOD
project name: Biomarkers for post market monitoring of short and long-term effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on animal and human health
initiating country: The European Union
Framework Programme: FP7 programme area: KBBE – Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology contract type: CP-FP – Collaborative Focused Research Project
contract/proposal/call number: 211820
status: active
start date: August 2008 duration: 36 months projected finish date: August 2011
Project Budget
total budget: € 3,424,843
Participants
Note that the follow people may not represent the full extent of the consortium. FEAST has tried to identify the Australian participants, and their collaborators (or coordinator), within the project. Also note that Australian participation may not necessarily be on a formal level. Further details about the partners in this project can be found at the website listed below.
| name | organisation | state or country |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Michelle Epstein | Medizinische Universität Wien | Austria |
| Dr TJ Higgins | CSIRO | ACT, Australia |
| Prof Herbert HÖNIGSMANN | Medizinische Universität Wien | Austria |
| Dr Geoff Garrett | CSIRO | ACT, Australia |
Further information
WWW: gmsafood.com
summary:
The function of post market monitoring is to further assess possible nutritional and health effects of authorized GM foods on a mixed population of human and animal consumers. Currently, however, little is known about exposure levels, whether adverse effects are predictable, and the occurrence of any unexpected effects following market release of GM foods. Our objective is to identify a panel of anatomic, physiologic, biochemical, molecular, allergenic, and immunogenic biomarkers, which could be used to predict harmful GMO effects after product authorization.
Using a prototype allergenic ñ-amylase inhibitor GM-pea, we will extrapolate multiple biomarker databases that correlate GMO effects during gestation, growth, maturation in various animal models with humans. We will establish biomarkers in GMO-fed pigs, salmon, rats, and mice, in addition to indirect effects of GM feeding in the food chain and GMO influence during an underlying allergic disorder. These experiments will yield data on general health with a specific focus on allergy and immunology.
Participants
COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION AUSTRALIA
KOZPONTI ELELMISZER TUDOMANYI KUTATOINTEZET HUNGARY
TEAGASC - AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IRELAND
NORGES VETERNINAERHOGSKOLE NORWAY
TROYKA MAKINE GIDA SANAYII DANISMANLIK VE PAZARLAMA LTD SIRKETI TURKEY
Source: Cordis
Scientists in Austria, Ireland, Norway, Hungary, Turkey and Australia have established a consortium to study the influence of genetically modified (GM) foods on health and well-being. The newly established consortium, GMSAFOOD (pronounced, GM-safe-food) will focus on developing biomarkers that could be followed after a GM food (food made from GMOs) is released on the market. Dr. Michelle Epstein at the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, the coordinator of the European Commission, Framework 7 project, emphasizes that this project addresses GM food safety. The function of post market monitoring is to further assess possible nutritional and health effects of GM foods on a mixed population of consumers. Currently, however, little is known about exposure levels, whether adverse effects are predictable, and the occurrence of any unexpected effects following market release of GM foods. Thus, monitoring during the post market period is essential for effective surveillance. The objective of the 3-year European Commission funded project is to identify a panel of biomarkers, which could be used to predict harmful GM food effects after product authorization.
Source: Consortium website
