According to the Release Ordinance the sale, exchange, import, release or marketing of genetically modified or pathogenic organisms is, subject to federal authorisation (experimental releases are regulated separately). The SECB issues Statements on applications for placing genetically modified or pathogenic organisms on the market, and assesses any impacts on the environment.

1. Genetically modified plants
2. Recombinant vaccines
3. Pathogenic organisms

1. Genetically modified plants

Since no genetically modified plants are authorised for cultivation in Switzerland as food or animal feed, the SECB's Statements are limited primarily to an assessment of possible environmental impacts that might occur if genetically modified grains are lost during transport, or if conventional and genetically modified seeds are mixed.

Soy

Since 1996 the gene technologically produced soy strain "Roundup Ready" has been authorised in Switzerland for use in food and animal feed. This variety is resistant to the herbicide Roundup in which the active ingredient is glyphosate. In 2001 the company Monsanto applied for an extension of this authorisation. 

In its Statement of 14.03.2002 the SECB declared itself in agreement with an extension of the application:

Maize

Three strains of genetically modified maize are authorised in Switzerland for use in food and animal feed. Two applications (Bt11 and Bt176) have been submitted by the company Novartis. The SECB issued Statements on both (a third variety, Mon810, was marketed by Monsanto).

Bt11 maize contains two new genes that make the plants resistant to the larvae of the corn borer and tolerant to a herbicide. In its Statement of 17.11.1997 the SECB concluded that the use of Bt 11 maize as a foodstuff for humans and animals had no harmful impacts on the environment:

Bt176 maize is differentiated from conventional varieties by its expression of an additional gene that protects it against predatory insects. The maize also contains an antibiotic resistance gene. In its Statement of 01.07.1997 the SECB concluded that the use of Bt176 maize as a foodstuff for humans and animals had no harmful impacts on the environment:

2. Recombinant vaccines

Orochol

Orochol is a vaccine against cholera, and consists of genetically modified but no longer pathogenic bacteria. In its assessment of the application from the then Swiss Serum and Vaccine Institute, the SECB in its Statement of 02.03.1999 concluded that the marketing of Orochol did not pose any foreseeable risk to humans or the environment:

3. Pathogenic organisms

VectoBac

VectoBac is a biopesticide; its active ingredient is live spores of the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). These are capable of forming Bt toxins, which can be used very specifically against species of mosquito that are prevalent in some areas of Switzerland. In its Statement of 31.03.2005, the SECB recommended the marketing of VectoBac (in German):