Genetically Modified Food

HC Deb 25 June 1997 vol 296 cc541-2W

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans his Department has to regulate the supply of genetically modified food. [5087]

Mr. Rooker

The EC novel foods and novel food ingredients regulation 258/97, which came into force on 15 May, lays down an EU wide pre-market approval system and labelling requirements for novel foods and novel food ingredients including those containing, or produced from, genetically modified organisms (GMOs). All applications for approval will be considered by the UK's independent Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes.

Mr. Paice

To ask the Minster of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies he has authorised into the consumer safety aspects of genetically modified maize. [5167]

Mr. Rooker

While no specific studies have been commissioned on genetically modified (GM) maize, the Department is currently spending around £1 million a year on work to underpin the safety assessments undertaken by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes on GM materials such as this.