Update of the bacterial taxonomy in the classification lists of COGEM

COGEM classifies micro-organisms according to their (a)pathogenicity for the purpose of licensing activities with GMOs. In recent years, COGEM has assessed a large number of apathogenic and pathogenic bacteria. Every year, COGEM publishes an update of the lists of classified micro-organisms. However, the taxonomy of micro-organisms is subject to change, which creates the risk that the names in the COGEM classification lists are no longer correct. This can lead to ambiguities and duplication in the classification. The lists of bacteria were last checked and corrected in 2018. A research project has been started to check the relevant lists for taxonomic changes.