91999E1571

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1571/99

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Illegal marketing of genetically modified maize by the Pioneer seed company

At the beginning of May 1999 it became known that the Pioneer Hi-Bred seed company in southern Germany had purchased genetically modified maize that had not received approval.

1. Was the Commission informed of this infringement of EU regulations and of the infringement of the German law on genetic engineering?

2. On what date was the Commission informed about the infringement?

3. What measures will the Commission take and what conclusions will it draw from this infringement?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 1999)

The Commission was informed on 31 May 1999 that, in southern Germany, seed was distributed which possibly contained genetically modified seed that had not received approval in the Community. The genetically modified organisms (GMOs) mentioned have been found in sacks of supposedly GMO-free Pioneer maize. The alleged infringement of Community law has yet to be confirmed. The infringement of German law does not have to be assessed by the Commission (as far as Community law is not concerned).

The Commission has invited the German authorities to take a position. As tests to confirm whether there were unauthorised GMOs present or not are still ongoing, there is no reply as yet. It should be added that for the time being, it appears to be premature to use the word infringement, since the question still needs to be assessed.