91997E2192

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2192/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (25 June 1997)

Subject: Novel food regulation No 258797 - Recording of, and safety guarantees for, novel food products

Is it intended that authorities should keep a record of the foods in which various manufacturers use genetically modified products so that if, following consumption of such foods, there is an occurrence of a health problem which cannot be foreseen at present, all the products in question can be recalled?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2192/97 and E-2204/97 (28 October 1997)

Without prejudice to the national provisions in this field, it is already stipulated - for example, in Article 5 of the Regulation quoted by the Honourable Member - that a summary of the notification should be published. The same applies to the decisions to be taken under Article 7(3) of the same Regulation.

These provisions should make it easier for a Member State to implement Article 12 of the Regulation, if necessary, in order to restrict or suspend trade in or use in its territory of a food or food ingredient which may endanger health.

Finally, without prejudice to Article 10 of the Regulation, the national provisions in this field or - if appropriate - Article 22 of Directive 90/220/EEC ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. )), Article 14 provides for a report by the Commission on the implementation of the Regulation and for the monitoring "of its impact on consumer information.¨