Horizon scanning on microorganisms and their products obtained by new developments in biotechnology

The aim of this horizon scanning is to map applications of new genomic techniques (NGTs) developed after Directive 2001/18/EC to obtain genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) of categories 3 and 4, with an application to the agri‐food and feed sectors; as well as understanding their relevant safety and risk assessment aspects.

The review comprised systematic comprehensive searches for the identification of relevant applications: i) structured electronic searches in Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science, and ii) searches in on‐line resources, including websites of companies, regulatory agencies, patents, and registries.

we identified 35 GMMs meeting the eligibility criteria. An evidence table (available in a separate file) offers a detailed description of their characteristics. Most of the GMMs were developed or commercialised by institutions in China or USA (14 and 10 cases, respectively). Of the 35 GMMs identified, 11 were bacteria, 22 yeasts, one fungal endophyte, and one microalga. As for use, 30 GMMs were used as (or as a source of) food or food additives, three as (or as a source of) feed or feed additives, and two for agricultural purposes. Eight GMMs are already commercialized, 9 are published in patent applications, and 18 are under development. When considering the purpose of the new traits introduced, 10 GMMs modify flavours in food; 10 increase the bioproduction of compounds; seven improve food profile/composition; two boost immunity/reduce toxicity in feed additives; five optimize food production processes, and one increases nitrogen‐fixation as fertiliser. Only three identified GMMs have been subjected to an authorisation process by national or international authorities, and risk assessment studies are scarcely available. The findings of this horizon scan illustrate the growing worldwide adoption of NGTs in producing GMMs for application in the food and feed sectors.