Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Thursday, 15 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 December 2005. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 January 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

GM Crops

Question: (2) if she will list all tests carried out for the presence of the illegal GM maize variety Bt10 at (a) British ports and (b) other entry points since March 2005; and which tests were (i) positive and (ii) negative.

Answer: The sampling of animal feeds (corn gluten feed and brewers' grains) for Bt10 has been carried out by local authorities within their jurisdiction since March 2005. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) does not hold information on the samples taken or the number of samples tested. This information is held by the authorities, which carried out sampling. The FSA is not aware of any sample that was tested and found to be positive for the presence of Bt10 maize.The FSA has carried out its own survey in order to increase the number of samples tested for Bt10 maize. The intention of this survey was to sample consignments of raw or minimally processed maize products for animal and human consumption coming into the United Kingdom from the United States of America either at ports or at importers or feed mill premises. Results will be published in early 2006 in accordance with FSA's guidelines on surveys to publish results within 20 weeks of sampling.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 441 c724W; 38984
Session: 2005-06
Transferred: Yes
Subjects: Contamination Genetically modified organisms Imports Testing Maize