§ Mr. Denis MurphyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what safety measures and regulations his Department has implemented in relation to genetically modified food products on sale in the UK; and what proposals he has to extend these regulations. [83784]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 14 May 1999]: All GM foods for sale in the UK are first assessed for safety in accordance with the requirements of the EC Novel Foods Regulation (258/97). Those that are approved must then comply with the labelling requirements contained in this regulation and, where appropriate. the EC Regulation on the labelling of GM Soya and Maize (1139/98). The Government took steps in March to ensure that the provisions in the latter Regulation also applied to foods sold in catering establishments and similar premises. The UK is the only country in Europe to have done this so far.