92000E3438

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3438/00

by Minerva Malliori (PSE) to the Commission

(30 October 2000)

Subject: Genetically modified organisms

Public opinion was very alarmed by the recent discovery of genetically modified maize in food which is freely available for sale in the USA (Kellogg's and Taco Bell products): it is banned for human consumption owing to the fact that it produces an insecticide substance to protect the crop. Moreover, the cultivation and marketing of such products are banned in many EU countries.

In view of this, will the Commission say whether the products in question are being imported into EU countries and, if so, which countries? Are spot checks being carried out on imported products and how effective are they? Does it intend to make the labelling of such products compulsory and to draw up a code of conduct to be respected by companies in the interests of consumers?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2000)

The question concerns the recent discovery of some food products in the United States containing traces of the genetically modified maize variety called Star Link. Star Link maize has been approved by the American Environmental protection agency (EPA) for industrial and feed use, but not for use in food for human consumption because of uncertainties regarding its potential allergenicity.

Star Link maize has not been approved for cultivation or food use in the Community and foodstuffs containing traces of Star Link maize can therefore not be legally imported into the Community. Member States are responsible for the control and inspection of foodstuffs, including imported food. The Commission has not received any information from Member States suggesting that traces of Star Link maize have been found in imported products.

Labelling requirements apply to genetically modified (GM) foodstuffs, which have been approved for marketing in accordance with the Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients(1). The Commission does not consider it appropriate to label products which have not obtained Community approval.

(1) OJ L 43, 14.2.1997.