Precision bred organisms: application guidance

Precision bred organisms: application guidance

Precision bred organisms (PBOs) are plants or animals where the genetic makeup of the organism has been altered using techniques of modern biotechnology (such as gene editing) in a precise way.

Precision bred organisms (PBOs) are plants or animals where the genetic makeup of the organism has been altered using techniques of modern biotechnology (such as gene editing) in a precise way. To qualify as a PBO, the changes to the organism must be those that could have also been achieved through traditional breeding methods.

Precision breeding does not include organisms that contain DNA that isn’t present in the non-modified organism or in sexually compatible species. These organisms remain classified as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and regulated as such. You can find guidance on applying for a food and feed marketing authorisation of a GMO on our website.

Before a PBO can be used in food or feed and placed on the market in England, it must first be authorised.

Guidance for applicants requiring a food and/or feed marketing authorisation for a Precision Bred Organism (PBO).

Obligations on food and feed businesses (“General Food Law” and other statutory requirements)

All food and feed businesses have a duty to ensure that the food and feed they market is compliant with existing food and feed safety legislation. Under Assimilated Regulation (EC) 178/2002, food must not be marketed if it is injurious to health or is unfit for human consumption. Animal feed fed to food producing animals must not have an adverse effect on human or animal health, or make the food derived from the animal unsafe for human consumption.

Before considering their application, applicants should have regard to existing duties and requirements imposed by the overarching regulations that underpin food safety in the UK.