§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to promote scientific debate on the safety of genetically modified foods. [116398]
§ Ms StuartAs responsibility for food safety and standards matters has now passed to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) which reports to Parliament through Health Ministers, I have been asked to reply.
The recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development conference in Edinburgh hosted by the United Kingdom brought together scientific experts from around the world to debate the safety assessment of genetically modified foods. We will be considering very carefully with our G8 partners the recommendation of the Chairman, Sir John Krebs, for an intergovernmental panel to be set up to continue this process.
In the meantime, the FSA will promote and develop the ongoing programme of scientific research to consider the safety of genetically modified foods and encourage contractors to publish their findings in scientific journals. Final research reports will also be made publicly available by the agency. In addition, the FSA plans to hold regular workshops for research contractors and other scientists to allow the exchange of new ideas and data in this area. The results of these will also be published and further comments invited.
Finally, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes now makes available, on its website, http//www.foodstandards.gov.uk, details of data submitted in support of applications it receives for approval of novel (including genetically modified) foods so that comments can be made on these before decisions are reached.