§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what tests have been conducted in the UK on genetically modified(a) soya, (b) maize and (c) tomatoes; when they were held; by whom were they conducted; where they were held; if any were carried out on mammals; and in which scientific journal the results were published. [86422]
§ Mr. RookerGenetically modified (GM) soya, maize and tomatoes were rigorously assessed for safety by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) under a voluntary scheme, which was in operation prior to the introduction of the Novel Food Regulations in May 1997. The safety assessment for GM soya was conducted in 1994; GM maize was assessed in 1995, 1996 and 1997; and GM tomatoes in 1994, 1995 and 1997. Equivalent bodies in other member states have also assessed these foods.
All the data used in these assessments have been deposited in the British Library and the relevant information to enable this to be consulted together with details of the safety assessments are contained in the respective ACNFP annual reports, copies of which can be found in the Library of the House. In addition, details of the regime operating at that time are contained in the ACNFP Annual Report for 1994. We have no information concerning other places where the data may also be found.
The ACNFP conducts the safety assessment of all novel foods on a case-by-case basis. The Committee require mammalian tests where it judges this is necessary to establish the safety of a particular food. In this context, tests on mammals were reviewed by the ACNFP as part of the safety assessment for GM maize and soya.
Since May 1997, all novel food assessments have been carried out by the ACNFP in accordance with guidance produced by the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Food, which applies to all member states. A copy of this guidance, which does not differ in any significant way from the regime operated under the voluntary scheme, may also be found in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that all members of the EU are constrained by the same rules and regulations as those in the UK with regard to testing of genetically modified foods. [86423]
§ Mr. RookerAll member states are subject to the EC Novel Foods Regulation and are required to conduct safety assessments of all novel, including genetically modified, foods in accordance with the guidance produced by the European Commission's Scientific Committee for Food that supplements this regulation.