genomic-techniques
Genomic techniques encompass a suite of molecular tools—including whole-genome sequencing, CRISPR-based editing, transcriptomics, and comparative genomics—used to analyze, characterize, and manipulate plant genomes at scale. These approaches allow researchers to uncover the genetic basis of traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and yield, accelerating breeding programs far beyond what traditional methods permit. By revealing how genes are regulated and how genomes evolve, genomic techniques are transforming our understanding of plant adaptation and enabling the development of more resilient, productive crops.
PubMed · 2026-02-01
Europe's food safety authority reviewed hundreds of recent scientific studies on gene-edited crops, microbes, and animals and concluded that none revealed safety risks beyond what regulators had already considered. The finding supports continued confidence in the existing framework for evaluating these new breeding technologies.
A systematic literature review of studies on new genomic techniques (including gene editing) published up to October 2025 found zero studies containing new hazards not already addressed by prior EFSA scientific opinions.
The review covered organisms across three kingdoms — plants, microorganisms, and animals — as well as products derived from them, using formal inclusion/exclusion criteria and a pre-published protocol.
EFSA is required to deliver these horizon-scanning reports biannually to the European Commission, making this part of an ongoing regulatory monitoring system rather than a one-time assessment.