Interactive Case Study: The EU-US Dispute over Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms, Plants, Feeds, and Foods
International Dimensions of Ethics Education Case Study Series
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the form of plants, animal feeds, and human foods, inspire heated debate because they involve both high knowledge uncertainty and high ethical concern. Concerns for the integrity and sustainability of the natural environment and as well as the social and economic consequences of allowing the supply of seeds or breeding stock to be controlled by large multinational corporations dominated the debate. This case focuses on the differences between how the United States and the European Union have responded to public opinion, scientific evidence, and industry pressures in creating regulations. In its policy decisions the EU relies very heavily on the "precautionary principle" which mandates avoiding a new activity or technology while its long-term consequences remain unknown. The US, on the other hand, does not rely as extensively on the precautionary principle; most policy decisions are guided by the rule that a new activity may proceed until it is shown to cause significant harm. The controversy was eventually taken to the World Trade Organization for resolution. This case illustrates the origins and consequences of regulatory policies diverging between different countries. It also illustrates the tensions in responding to diverse and strong opinions among citizens, scientists, and business interests when conclusive research results are not available.
Mjadala wa EU-US juu ya Udhibiti wa Viumbe, Mimea, Chakula na Chakula cha Genetically Modified (GMOs) - Mjadala wa EU-US juu ya Udhibiti wa Viumbe, Mimea, Chakula na Chakula cha Genetically Modified (GMOs) - Mjadala wa EU-US juu ya Udhibiti wa Viumbe, Mimea, Chakula na Chakula cha Genetically Modified (GMOs) - Mjadala wa EU-US juu ya udhibiti wa viumbe, mimea na chakula cha binadamu. "Hata hivyo, wasiwasi wa ""uadilifu na uendelevu wa mazingira ya asili na matokeo ya kijamii na kiuchumi ya kuruhusu usambazaji wa mbegu au mifugo ya uzalishaji kudhibitiwa na mashirika makubwa ya kimataifa"" ilitawala mjadala huo." Kesi hii inazingatia tofauti kati ya jinsi Marekani na Umoja wa Ulaya wameitikia maoni ya umma, ushahidi wa kisayansi, na shinikizo la tasnia katika kuunda kanuni. Katika maamuzi yake ya sera, EU inategemea sana "kanuni ya tahadhari" ambayo inatoa amri ya kuepuka shughuli mpya au teknolojia wakati matokeo yake ya muda mrefu bado hayajulikani. Marekani, kwa upande mwingine, haitegemei sana kanuni ya tahadhari; maamuzi mengi ya sera huongozwa na sheria kwamba shughuli mpya inaweza kuendelea mpaka ithibitishwe kusababisha madhara makubwa. Hatimaye ubishi huo ulipelekwa kwenye Shirika la Biashara Ulimwenguni ili kutatuliwa. Kesi hii inaonyesha asili na matokeo ya sera za udhibiti zinazotofautiana kati ya nchi tofauti. Pia inaonyesha mvutano katika kukabiliana na maoni tofauti na nguvu kati ya wananchi, wanasayansi, na maslahi ya biashara wakati matokeo ya utafiti ya kuhitimisha hayapo.