Technology

Our Technology
Sterile Insect Technique
Safety

Safety

Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)

SIT is safe and has a low environmental impact. It reduces or eliminates the need for insecticides, thereby reducing the risk of chemical residues in food and the environment. SIT is totally species-specific which, combined with the removal of non-discriminating insecticides, allows natural predators to control insect pests. RIDL technology offers enhanced SIT safety by replacing the need for sterilization with isotope-based gamma irradiation and by removing the risk of the release of fertile insect pests from rearing facilities into the wild.

RIDL Technology

Oxitec employs genetic and molecular biology techniques which are assessed stringently for their potential impact on health and the environment. Oxitec complies with all relevant national and international legislation, and contributes constructively to public initiatives to establish appropriate standards.

• No toxins are introduced into the insects to cause sterility so there is no danger to birds or animals that eat them.
• The RIDL insects are sterile so introduced DNA sequences are not perpetuated in the target species.
• RIDL insects only mate with their own species, so introduced DNA sequences cannot spread by interbreeding.
• Oxitec has developed novel molecular and other methods to ensure that introduced DNA sequences are firmly locked in place with no risk of “horizontal” gene transfer.

Regulations and Guidelines

Oxitec Limited  t: +44 (0)1235 832393  f: +44 (0)1235 861138   e: info@oxitec.com

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