Study on the Improvement of Regulatory Systems and Policy Convergence for Genome-Edited Products: A Policy Approach to Harmonization of International Standards

This study examines the policy approach to improve the regulatory system of Korea for genetically edited organisms and foods using new technologies and to harmonize international standards. To this end, the policy approach was discussed focusing on the regulatory measures of GMOs based on the regulatory systems of major countries and the policy convergence theory. The analysis results showed that there could be significant differences when applying ex post facto regulations such as GMO labeling, traceability, crop registration, and license renewal. In particular, the regulatory system for genetically modified foods and foods using new technologies is inadequate due to intermittent food safety accidents in the food safety regulatory science field in Korea. In addition, it was confirmed that domestic regulations are not consistent with international standards and are facing problems such as trade barriers. As a result, important policy implications were derived for improving the regulatory system of Korea for genetically edited organisms and foods using new technologies, including restoring and increasing consumer trust, reorganizing the regulatory system and ensuring consistency with international standards, fostering experts in the field of regulatory science, and strengthening research capacity.