The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Frequently Asked Questions

All Questions


The Secretariat has prepared these questions and answers to assist public understanding of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. It is not intended to provide legal interpretation of the Protocol. Please refer to the original text of the Protocol for any further information.

a. Biosafety and Biotechnology
(Questions 1-7)

b. The Biosafety Protocol and its Implementation
(Questions 8-28)

c. Becoming a Party to the Protocol
(Questions 29-35)

4. What are LMO products?

LMOs form the basis of a range of products and agricultural commodities. Processed products containing dead modified organisms or non-living GMO components include certain vaccines; drugs; food additives; and many processed, canned, and preserved foods. They can also include corn and soybean derivatives used in many foods and nonfoods, cornstarch used for cardboard and adhesives, fuel ethanol for gasoline, vitamins, vaccines and pharmaceuticals, and yeast-based foods such as beer and bread.