§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has had with the USA on food aid containing GM products and the provision of GM-free food aid; and if she will make a statement. [90417]
§ Clare ShortDFID officials have been in communication with USAID on these topics in the context of the humanitarian crisis in Southern Africa.
Genetically modified varieties of maize and soya which are consumed by the US public, have also been provided as food aid by the USA for some time—one report suggests since 1995.
The GM varieties concerned have been tested and approved for human consumption in the US and Europe. The FAO, WHO and WFP have all assured Southern African countries that the consumption of GM maize poses no risk to human health.