Written question asked by Countess of Mar (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 October 2010.

Agriculture: Genetically Modified Crops

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of recent research by Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini and Professor Andres Carrasco and their teams relating to damage to health arising from the use of Roundup in genetically modified crop cultivation.

Answer: Professors Seralini and Carrasco and their collaborators have published a number of papers relating to glyphosate. The Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) of the Health and Safety Executive routinely monitors relevant published literature relating to pesticides. Where there are any issues of regulatory relevance the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) is asked for its opinion. Many of these papers have been assessed through the routine monitoring process with the conclusion that regulatory action was not required. A number of recently published studies are currently under consideration. Genetically modified crops are not currently grown in the UK.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2901; 721 c245WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Crops Health hazards Genetically modified organisms Research Weedkillers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk