The precautionary principle is a decision-making approach that guides policy and regulatory action when there is scientific uncertainty about the potential risks posed by a particular activity or technology. It suggests that when there is uncertainty or insufficient evidence about the potential harm that a product or technology could cause to human health or the environment, it is better to err on the side of caution and take measures to prevent harm.

The United States does not have an official policy on the precautionary principle, and it is not widely used in the country’s regulatory decision-making processes. The US tends to prioritize risk assessment and risk management over the precautionary approach, which can be seen in the regulatory approach to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and other technologies.

US regulatory agencies generally require

• A demonstrated risk before taking regulatory action, rather than taking action based on potential risks or uncertainty.