HC Deb 18 July 1996 vol 281 cc633-4W
26. Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards genetically engineered food. [36430]

Mrs. Browning

The UK has a well established and internationally respected system for the approval of novel foods including genetically modified foods. The safety of novel foods is assessed by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes, an independent body of experts set up to advise Agriculture and Health Ministers, and the need for labelling by the independent Food Advisory Committee.

The Government support the concept of an EU regulation on novel foods and novel food ingredients and are actively participating in discussions on the details.

27. Mr. Connarty

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on the labelling of foods which have been subject to genetic engineering. [36432]

Mrs. Browning

The Government have accepted the advice of the independent Food Advisory Committee in this area, and have supported the proposed EC regulation on novel foods and novel food ingredients. This would require special labelling for genetically modified foods where these may be significantly different from conventional foods.

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