Abstract:
The precautionary approach of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, if incorporated into legislation of countries
as a precautionary principle (PP), could cause great difficulty in decision‑making on genetically modified
organisms. No consensus seems to be possible on the interpretation of the PP, as responsibility often is
passed on to political decision‑making and, eventually, to court rulings. A case study on the assessment
of possible unintended effects of endogenous allergens illustrates the complexity decision‑makers may
experience. We review the descriptions of the PP and the debate on the interpretation and conclusions that
a number of authors have come to, as a step closer to a solution in decision‑making. South Africa may
have to consider the PP in the broader context of its food security needs, which would require improved
communication as an additional step in the process of risk analysis.
