Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes

HC Deb 08 May 1998 vol 311 cc518-9W

Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes is permitted to take into account(a) wider environmental considerations and (b) ethical considerations when considering applications. [41192]

Mr. Morley

The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) works closely with the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) in assessing the human and environmental safety of genetically modified organisms in accordance with the requirements of the EC Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients Regulation (258/97).

The ACNFP considers ethical concerns as part of its normal approval process and to assist in this has a member specifically appointed with expertise in this area.