Written question asked by Countess of Mar (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 July 2010.

Agriculture: Genetically Modified Crops

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether external and independent auditing is required for all scientific data submitted in support of applications for genetically modified food or crop approval.

Answer: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for carrying out the risk assessment of genetically modified organisms in the EU. Through its published guidance, the EFSA's GMO panel applies a case-by-case approach, treating each application as unique. Fixed-test protocols are requested by the EFSA, especially for scientific issues where harmonisation of test methods is possible and validated test methods are agreed upon by international risk assessment bodies: for instance, on the testing of chemical substances. However, the guidance is not completely prescriptive about the use of specific study protocols, and does not stipulate a mandatory list of exactly which tests should be done as the requirements will vary according to the type of genetically modified product being assessed. The EFSA also stipulates that the studies that are submitted for evaluation should be carried out according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) principles of good laboratory practice, where applicable, and accompanied by a formal statement of quality assurance. The EFSA's approach to risk assessment of food from genetically modified plants is consistent with that of the Codex Alimentarius. The evaluations are carried out by the EFSA's GMO Panel, which is composed of independent external experts. There is no additional requirement for external independent auditing of the data submitted in support of such applications.

Secondary information