ABSTRACT
When assessing the ethics of a new technology, it is not a simple question of right vs. wrong. Instead, the benefits of the technology must be assessed along with the risks. The nature and severity of risks varies with the type of biotechnology (Table 9.1), but the risks usually deemed most important are those that are directly linked to human health. Biotechnological products that are consumed (e.g., transgenic crops) have a direct risk of toxicity; in contrast, diagnostic systems present indirect risks. However, indirect risks are also important. The use of unvalidated diagnostic tests could lead to incorrect identification of microbes in food, which could have serious consequences.
