1. American regulatory policy forms the main basis for decisions regarding genetically modified foods on the basis that they are “the product of genetic modification and selection” (Lynch & Vogel, 2001). US regulatory agencies consider genetic modifications to be “substantially equivalent” to traditional breeding methods, unless there is a significant difference (MJ and A. White, 2010). For this reason, it is an obligation for US agencies to demonstrate that genetically modified foods are less safe for use and focus on the safety of a certain product of genetically modified technology (MJ and A.White, 2010). The U.S. approach depends largely on the scientific estimates of possible harms and benefits that constitute the cost-benefit analysis. America has not relied on the precautionary principle according to which most of its decisions are influenced by the traditional rule: a new action can be taken until it is shown to create essential harm (MJ & A.White, 2010). EU regulations were governed by the process in which genetically modified products were produced (Lynch & Vogel, 2001). Unlike the United States, the European Union and most of its member states have a very strict policy regarding genetically modified foods. They treat genetically modified foods differently than conventional foods; as genetically modified technology combines the genes of plant and animal species. The other part of the rule is that people who want to plant or sell genetically modified foods or plants must demonstrate to regulatory agencies that their plant or food is safe (MJ & A.White, 2010. Because of the special focus of the European Union to technology, rejects cost-benefit analysis but instead applies the precautionary principle because the field of genetic modification is full of things... halfway through the document... the United States: a case study on Contemporary European Regulatory Policy. Publisher Council on Foreign Relations Press, Retrieved from website: http://www.cfr.org/agricultural-policy/regulation-gmos-europe-united-states-case-study-contemporary-european-regulatory -politics/p8688M. J., P. and A.White, P. (2010). The EU-US dispute on the regulation of genetically modified organisms, plants, feed and food – Case summary International dimensions of ethics education in science and engineering, 4 -5, 11-12, Retrieved from website: http://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=edethicsinscienceWhite, M. (2013, 9 24) . The scientific debate over genetically modified foods is over: they are safe. Pacific Standard: The Science of Society, Retrieved from website: http://www.psmag.com/navigation/health-and-behavior/scientific-debate-gm-foods-theyre-safe-66711/