5. Ethics and approvals - MRC

Contents

5.11 Health and safety

5.10.1 Genetic modification

The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014 require laboratories that intend to carry out genetic modification to assess the risks of all activities and make sure that any necessary controls are put in place.

GMOs may be plants, animals or (most commonly) microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi). Humans are not regarded as GMOs under this legislation.

Further information about the legislation and relevant approvals required is available on the Health and Safety Executive website.

5.10.2 Dangerous pathogens

Research organisations proposing to accommodate projects, which will involve the use of dangerous pathogens, must comply with the safeguards recommended by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP).

Read ACDP publications on ‘guidance and regulation’.

Last updated: 17 August 2023

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