§ Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what techniques are available for identifying unintended changes in GM foods at the molecular level; and what research he has published on this subject; [136235]
(2) how unintended changes in GM foods approved in Europe are evaluated; and what research he has commissioned on this subject. [136238]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonEach genetically modified (GM) food approved to date in Europe has been assessed on a case by case basis. A comparison is made between the GM food and its non-GM counterpart and the assessment focuses on any differences between the two. This includes a detailed analysis of the inserted gene and the protein produced, and any differences observed in the overall composition of the food.
There are a number of techniques, which could potentially be used for identifying unintended effects in GM foods at the molecular level. These include two-dimensional protein gel electrophoresis, protein microarrays, nuclear magnetic resonance and gas and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.
The Food Standards Agency funds two research programmes, which underpin the safety assessment of GM foods. One of the programmes is exploring the potential use of the above techniques for detecting unintended changes at the molecular level. The programme started in September 2001 and will finish in 2004.