This report provides a detailed discussion of uncertainties, knowledge gaps and research needs related to the potential use and introduction of GMOs. It covers GM plants, antibiotic resistance marker genes, GM vaccines, gene therapy and medicinal products containing or consisting of GMOs, as well as GM microorganisms, GM trees and GM salmon.
GMOs are made by inserting a gene (or several genes) encoding a wanted trait into an organism (of the same species or a different species). The environmental risks associated with such alteration of the genome are evaluated on the basis of present scientific knowledge and analysis of available literature. The report identifies many unresolved scientific uncertainties and potential adverse effects related to GMOs and their impacts on ecosystems, as well as on animal and human health. Particular attention has been given to GMOs relevant in a Norwegian context. The report emphasizes today’s challenges, but also outlines needs for the future, as new GMOs are becoming increasingly more complex. Examples of such novel GMOs are discussed under the different subchapters.