§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what direct tests have been conducted on humans to determine whether the GM foods approved in Europe may be allergenic.[138816]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonEach genetically modified food approved to date in Europe has been assessed on a case-by-case basis. The assessment includes an evaluation of allergenicity in accordance with internationally agreed guidelines on testing of novel and genetically modified foods. Direct testing on human subjects is not part of this protocol.
§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what monitoring of groups potentially vulnerable to the effects of consuming GM crops(a) has been undertaken and (b) is planned by the Government. [138817]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonEach genetically modified (GM) crop is assessed on a case-by-case basis. This includes a consideration of whether products from the crop, if approved, are suitable to be consumed by all sectors of the population. The Food Standards Agency has not therefore undertaken, nor is planning, any monitoring of groups potentially vulnerable to the effects of consuming GM crops.
§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from companies on the proposed sale of genetically modified sweetcorn in supermarkets. [138814]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Food Standards Agency has not received any such representations on the proposed sale of genetically modified sweetcorn.
§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has carried out on the safety of genetically modified sweetcorn. [138815]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Food Standards Agency (FSA) funds two extensive research programmes that underpin the safety assessment of genetically modified foods. The FSA does not commission specific research into the safety of individual genetically modified foods that are being proposed for authorisation.