§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what scientific research into the phenomenon of gene stacking in genetically modified crops in natural conditions(a) he has evaluated and (b) has been brought to the attention of (i) ACRE and (ii) ACNFP; and when. 11532381
§ Mr. MeacherI have been asked to reply.
523WGene stacking refers to plants with traits from more than one genetic modification which may be developed intentionally or created unintentionally in the environment through cross-pollination between two different genetically modified (GM) plants.
The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) always considers any risks associated with gene stacking when it advises on the release or marketing of GM plants. ACRE assesses the potential for gene stacking to occur both in neighbouring crops of the same or sexually compatible species and in compatible wild plants at or around the release site. The potential for gene stacking is well controlled for research releases of GM plants and for the few GM crops which have Europe-wide approval for placing on the market. However the regulatory authorities both here and in the European Union are aware that the potential for gene stacking will increase should there be widespread cultivation of GM crops and the implications must be well understood.
ACRE considered the potential problems of both intentional and unintentional gene stacking in 1998 and have kept abreast of developments. There are relatively few scientific reports of this phenomenon occurring in natural conditions, but my Department has funded its own research on the implications of gene stacking for risk assessment. A scientific report commissioned from the John Innes Centre entitled 'impact of multiple herbicide tolerance in GM plants' is in the final stages of preparation and will be published shortly. ACRE is aware of this study and will advise on its implications and whether further work is needed.
The extent to which gene stacking could impact on food safety is an issue for the Food Standards Agency and the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP). Any GM crop that is to be used for food production must be considered for approval under the EC Novel Foods Regulation (EC 258–97). The ACNFP is aware of a number of applications for GM crops containing stacked genes which are currently being considered under the EC Novel Foods Regulation by other Member States. Each of these applications will be considered in due course by the AONFP on a case by case basis.