It is generally agreed at the international level that the standard of safety that should be applied to food products derived from genetically engineered crops should be equivalent to that applied to foods and feeds derived through traditional breeding.

Consequently, the safety of GM foods is in principle determined in relation to traditional foods. The goal of safety assessment of GM foods is therefore to provide assurance, in the light of best available scientific knowledge, that the food is not likely to cause harm when prepared, used and/or eaten according to its intended use.