Due Care. Genetically Modified Organisms and Precautionary Principle

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse the Precautionary Principle in the particular case of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). In the first part, we try to clarify the terms "genetically modified organism" and "transgenic", offering a short review of the history of such organisms and sketching their prospective benefits and risks. In the second, we review the Precautionary Principle as it appears in some regulations on GMOs and the conflicting views opponents and supporters hold about the extent to which such regulations do apply. Relating to this last point, we argue that the indeterminacy of the Precautionary Principle and its many different formulations can explain the diversity of views about its application. Finally, we try to establish what kind of precaution is appropriate for GMOs.