HC Deb 26 March 2003 vol 402 c227W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which Minister has responsibility for genetically modified food products. [103084]

Mr. Meacher

Within Defra Lord Whitty is the Minister responsible for sustainable farming and the food industry. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the responsible UK authority for evaluating GM foods and food products derived from GMOs under the relevant European Union legislation. The FSA are accountable to Parliament through health ministers and to the Devolved Administrations.

My responsibilities relate to the environmental aspects of the deliberate release of GM organisms into the environment, including licensing of GMOs.