HC Deb 30 October 1996 vol 284 cc179-80W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the percentage of the total United Kingdom quantity of(a) grains, (b) pulses and (c) vegetables grown using genetic engineering which have been exported abroad in each of the last five years. [1019]

Mrs. Browning

There have been no exports of genetically modified grains, pulses or vegetables from the United Kingdom in the last five years.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what requirements there are on(a) manufacturers and (b) retailers to indicate the use of genetically engineered ingredients on the labels of food products; and if he will make a statement. [1021]

Mrs. Browning

The need for genetically modified foods to be labelled is assessed by the Food Advisory Committee on a case by case basis as part of the approval process for their use.

In line with the latest draft of the EC Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients Regulation, which is expected to be adopted shortly, compulsory labelling is normally required when there is a significant difference in the composition, nutritional value or intended use of a food compared to its conventionally produced equivalent, or if it is likely to give rise to ethical concerns or contain an unexpected allergen. Labelling is also required if any live genetically modified organisms are likely to be present in the food as consumed.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the (i) quantity and (ii) percentage of(a) grains, (b) pulses and (c) vegetables grown using genetic engineering which have been imported into the United Kingdom in each of the last five years. [1023]

Mrs. Browning

The only food from a genetically modified crop imported into the United Kingdom in the past five years is a tomato paste that went on sale in February this year. A total of 900,000 cans have been imported from the USA to date.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the percentage of soya products on sale in the United Kingdom which contain genetically engineered beans in each of the last five years. [1020]

Mrs. Browning

No soya products sold in the United Kingdom in the last five years have contained genetically modified beans.