Written question asked by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 26 May 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 June 2005. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Thursday, 9 June 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Genetically Modified Food

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she received on the effects of GM maize MON 863 on human health prior to (a) 29 November 2004 and (b) 19 May 2005.

Answer: A vote on the authorisation of MON 863 genetically-modified (GM) maize grain, including animal feed but excluding food and cultivation, under the deliberate release directive 2001/18/EC took place on 29 November 2004. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs received one representation prior to this date. Friends of the Earth Europe wrote to all competent authorities for directive 2001/18/EC on 17 November 2004, urging member states to consider human and animal safety in deciding how to vote on MON 863.A vote on the authorisation of foods derived from MON 863 GM maize under the novel foods regulation was taken at a regulatory meeting in Brussels on 19 May 2005. The Food Standards Agency did not receive any representations on the effects of MON 863 on human health prior to this date.

Secondary information