Biotechnology is a method involving the science of life (biology) and technology, to design products based on living beings synthesized using various techniques. This practice is used in particular in the food industry, in the pharmaceutical industry, in cosmetology, or in medical research.
THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES RELATED TO BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology is categorized in 6 distinct colors, each representing an area of activity using techniques related to biology, combined with a technique such as computer science or chemistry. First of all, there is green biotechnology for agriculture and everything related to food processing, red biotechnology for medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. White biotechnology is for the production of biological energy through chemistry such as biogas, yellow biotechnology for pollution management, blue biotechnology for the exploitation of marine products to make the oceans cleaner and healthier. Orange biotechnology tends towards education, focusing on the promotion of biotechnology and related research. The basis of biotechnology is the genetic modification of living things, most often through the process of transgenesis. But these practices have been very controversial, so biotechnology regulations have been imposed to limit fraudulent manipulations.
THE ROLE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Among the different categories of biotechnology that exist, each is governed by clear regulations. Biotechnology is at the origin of several innovations, whether in the field of health, the environment, the pharmaceutical industry, or the food industry. It is particularly aimed at improving the quality of life on the planet in a sustainable way. Between the reduction of greenhouse gases, the immunization of plants against certain diseases, or the reduction of the use of chemicals harmful to health and the environment. GMOs are the processes that have been most criticized since the existence of techniques related to biotechnology. This is because at times it has been deemed that certain practices are contrary to ethical values and are also risk factors. This gave way to the regulations of biotechnology established by the Consultative Commission of Human Rights or CNCDH in 1989.
BIOTECHNOLOGY REGULATIONS
The regulations of biotechnology are characterized in four parts. First, there is the risk study, with the evaluation of the toxicity of the product, and its physical and environmental impacts. Then, there is the prevention of risks, especially those related to work with laws and codes that govern them. There is also risk management, according to the procedures imposed on the company. And finally, there are the safety trainings that are mandatory, and the information on the right gestures and procedures to apply in terms of safety at work, such as the mandatory wearing of PPE.