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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, further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 8 March (WA 11), what is their assessment of the experimental protocols and integrity of animal feeding trials for (a) MON810, (b) MON863, (c) A580, (d) LY038, (e) the stacked variety LY038 x MON810, and (f) RR soya GT73; and whether any concerns have been brought to the attention of the regulators.
Answer

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the centralised body which has responsibility for carrying out risk assessments for genetically modified food and feed in the European Union. EFSA has completed assessments of three of these genetically modified (GM) crops, namely MON810 maize, MON863 maize; and GT73 oilseed rape, including the results of the relevant animal feeding studies. Applications for the authorisation of LY038 maize and for LY038 x MON810 maize were withdrawn by the applicant, citing a reduced commercial interest in these products. No application has been made in relation to a GM crop called A580. An application for renewal of authorisation of genetically modified Roundup Ready soya is currently being evaluated by EFSA. In 2005, 2006 and 2009 the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) considered published reports of potential adverse effects on rats and mice that had been fed Roundup Ready soya. The ACNFP advised that it was not possible to draw conclusions based on the design and reporting of these studies. EFSA considers any concerns raised regarding the safety of genetically modified crops, whether authorised or undergoing authorisation, provided these are supported by reasoned arguments or scientific data. In the case of MON810 maize and MON863 maize, EFSA has provided additional advice following the publication of critical assessments of the feeding studies. The Food Standards Agency has also sought advice from the ACNFP on these reports. To date, none of the concerns raised have caused EFSA or ACNFP to alter their opinion on the safety of these crops.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1519; 720 c355WA
Session
2010-12
Related items
Genetically Modified Crops
Monday, 8 March 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Crops Animal feed Licensing Genetically modified organisms Safety Research
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk