Location: Inn and Conference Center, University of Maryland University College The Central Science Laboratory (CSL), York, UK, and the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN), University of Maryland, USA have launched an annual series of symposia on various themes relating to food safety and applied nutrition. The purpose for this second symposium, Current Issues in Food Biotechnology, was to enable those involved in different aspects of the application of the methods of modern biotechnology to the production and processing of foods to meet and discuss current issues in this important area. Welcome

• David Lineback (JIFSAN)
• Michael Roberts (CSL)

Plenary address

• Stanley Abramson (Arent Fox) - "Starlink" - A Case Study

Session II: International Perspectives  

• Tony Hardy (UK/EC; CSL, MAFF) - UK/EC Perspective on Food Biotechnology
• Susan Harlander (US; Biorational Consultants) - A U.S. Food Industry Perspective on Biotechnology
• Zhangliang Chen (China) - Transgenic Food: Need and Safety
• John Wafula (Kenya) - Agro-Ecological Zones of Kenya

Session III: Safety Considerations

• Steve Taylor (FARRP, University of Nebraska) - Assessment of Allergenicity of Foods Produced Through Agricultural Biotechnology.
• John Heritage (University of Leeds) - Gene transfer from transgenic plants
• James Astwood (Monsanto) - Current Studies on Safety
• Carol Tucker Foreman (Consumers Federation of America) - Building Public Trust in Biotechnology

Session IV: Detection and analysis

• Guy van den Eede (EC, JRC) - Validation of GMO detection methods and their use in foodstuffs in support to the EU regulatory framework
• Sarah Oehlschlager (CSL, MAFF) - CSL AOAC ring trial and FAPAS proficiency testing
• Steve Tanner (GIPS, USDA) - GIPSA Role in the Standardization of Testing for Genetically Modified Grain
• Ann Bridges (Medallion Labs, US) - Options to Manage AgBiotech in Food Processing and Marketing

Session V: Future Prospects

• Phil Mullineaux (John Innes Centre, UK) - Opening Pandora's Box? Application of Advanced Transformation and Profiling Technologies to Risk Assessment Of GM Crops In Europe
• Gijs Kleter (RIKILT, Netherlands) - New Developments in Plant Biotechnology and Food Safety Research
• Michael Jacobson (Center for Science in the Public Interest) - Mapping the Future of GMOs
• Kyd Brenner (DTB Associates LLP) - Industry View