Useful links

This page provides links to web sites relating to biological hazards. HSE is not responsible for and cannot guarantee the accuracy of information on sites that it does not manage; and hyperlink does not mean HSE endorsed the linked site.

Members of the Competent Authority

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
  GM Policy, Science and Regulation Unit,
  Tel: 020 7082 8088
  
• National Assembly for Wales
  Plant Health and Biotechnology Branch,
  Animal and Plant Health Policy Division,
  Welsh Assembly Government,
  Tel: 029 2082 3596
  
• Scottish Executive
  GM Co-ordination Team,
  Scottish Executive,
  Tel: 0131 244 6211

DEFRA is responsible for the control of environmental risks caused by contained use of GM animals and plants. With other members of the CA, DEFRA operates the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations, which govern experimental release and marketing of GMOs. DEFRA and the devolved administrations are also responsible for the agricultural implications of GMOs.

Other government department contacts

• Department of Health
• Department of Trade and Industry
• Food Standards Agency
• Health Protection Agency (previously PHLS)
• Home Office
• Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
  

Government Advisory Committees

• Scientific Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification (contained use)
• Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP)
• Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE)
• Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Committee (AEBC)

Others

• European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
• World Health Organisation
• US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
• European Biosafety Association (EBSA)
• American Biological Safety Association (ABSA)
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety