(Last revised: 5 May, 2010 )
(Further information: bbch@wiv-isp.be)

The direct use of living modified organisms (genetically modified organisms) as food or feed, or for processing may proceed only if a consent has been given by the relevant federal competent authority (see below). However, the final consent has to be given at the European Community level to allow the LMO (GMO) to be used throughout the Community.

Legal basis:
- Royal Decree of 21 February 2005 on the deliberate release into the environment and the placing on the market of GMOs or GMO-containing products.
- Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed.

All relevant political decisions are taken by the Federal Minister for Consumer Protection, Public Health and Environment.
At the administrative level, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment is competent.

The Biosafety Advisory Council advises the competent authorities about the safety for human health and the environment of activities involving LMOs (GMOs). The Council consists of representatives of the Regional and Federal competent authorities. It is assisted by experts organised in thematic scientific committees. The Division of Biosafety and Biotechnology (SBB) is in charge of the secretariat of the Biosafety Advisory Council.