POSTED ON BEHALF OF LETICIA PASTOR CHIRINO, CUBA
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Possible mechanisms, including criteria, for future updates of the lists of background materials"


a. I consider that the availability in the BCH of the documents that
shows the use of this guide for risk assessment purposes in different countries, with different realities and for different scenarios, will contribute to direct the next steps and in my opinion is the main background material. Likewise, I believe that the criteria taken into account for the classification of the likelihood of adverse effects, the evaluation of the magnitude of the consequences, but above all, the methodology established for the estimation of the overall risk and a recommendation as to whether or not the risks are acceptable or manageable; are the key elements.

b. I think that the publication of the results of risk assessment of
little-known LMOs, for instance, trials or release of transgenic mosquitoes and possible studies of it adverse impacts, are the essential background materials at this stage. Concerning the date of this kind of publication, the information available since 3 or 4 years ago, regarding this topic, would be updated information while we are talking about something new.

Scientific researches on some little-known aspects of LMOs, published by reputable international organizations may be useful; but I strongly believe that the specific and detailed technical information containing the results of a real risk assessment process involving little-known organisms like mosquitoes, is not replaceable. This kind of information would enrich our technical background since we would count on a real expertise. Regarding sources, certainly there are very reputable web sites, but the BCH offers a lot of guaranties that make it into the site of the preference.