HC Deb 09 June 1997 vol 295 cc355-7W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what allergic reactions have been established as being caused by the introduction of genetically engineered material into the food chain. [1961]

Mr. Rooker

We have no evidence that any allergic reactions have resulted from the genetic modification of food approved for use in the UK. All such foods are fully assessed by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes for safety, including allergic potential, before being permitted to enter the food supply.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the possible increase in(a) resistance to antibiotics and (b) severe immune reactions from the use of genetically engineered viruses as delivery vehicles in the generation of transgenic plants and animals. [1962]

Mr. Rooker

None of the GMOs released into the environment in the UK have involved the use of genetically modified viruses as delivery vehicles in the generation of transgenic plants and animals. The use of antibiotic resistance markers is kept under close review by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy regarding the transfer of animal genes into plants; and what consultations his Department has held with vegetarian groups and religious groups on this issue. [1963]

Mr. Rooker

In 1992 the Polkinghorne Committee was set up to consider ethical issues associated with genetically modified (GM) foods. Following extensive consultation with interested parties, including religious and vegetarian groups, the Committee issued a report, a copy of which was deposited in the Library of the House.

Any plant containing animal genes which is intended for food use would need to be approved and labelled in accordance with the EC Novel Foods Regulation (258/97) before it could be sold to the public. As part of this process a thorough safety assessment would be carried out by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes and, if the plant was also intended to be grown in Europe, by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment. To date no applications for plants of this type have been received.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy regarding the use in food of genetically engineered bacteria to produce the supplement tryptophan. [1964]

Mr. Rooker

The addition of tryptophan to food is prohibited under the Tryptophan in Food Regulations 1990.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy in respect of crops engineered to produce their own pesticides. [1967]

Mr. Rooker

Before any genetically modified crop can be marketed in Europe it requires a marketing consent under Directive 90/220/EEC or approval under the EC novel foods regulation 258/97 based on a detailed safety assessment. Provided that such a consent or approval is given, I cannot see any reason why the use of such crops should not be allowed.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to introduce a moratorium on the release of genetically modified organisms. [1968]

Mr. Rooker

No. The release of genetically modified organisms is only permitted following risk assessment in accordance with Directive 90/220/EEC or the EC novel foods regulation (258/97) and I am satisfied that this procedure provides a sufficient safeguard as regards public health and the environment.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to introduce full disclosure labelling for genetically engineered foods. [1959]

Mr. Rooker

I am committed to ensuring that consumers are able to make an informed choice when purchasing food. I therefore intend to press at European level for the labelling of all foods that may contain ingredients which have been genetically modified.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of genetically engineered foods. [1960]

Mr. Rooker

The EC novel foods and novel food ingredients regulation 258/97 lays down an EU wide pre-market approval system for novel foods and novel food ingredients including those containing or produced from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Provided that there are no safety concerns, and they are appropriately labelled, I see no reason why these types of foods and ingredients should not be sold to the public.

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