Written question asked by Countess of Mar (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 November 2010.

Agriculture: Genetically Modified Crops

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Henley on 25 October (WA 219) and 3 November 2010 (WA 406), whether any assessments have been made in the United Kingdom or the European Union of the precise formulations of Roundup herbicide rather than just the active ingredient glyphosate, as used on genetically modified crops, entering the food supply in the United Kingdom.

Answer: The human and environmental safety of specific formulations is considered by the pesticides regulatory regime where each product is used. If a specific formulation is marketed in the EU, it will have been considered in accordance with the requirements of Directive 91/414 that established the European regulatory regime for plant protection products (to be replaced by Regulation 1107/2009 on 14 June 2011). EU legislation sets maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticide active substances in food and feed based on the EU risk assessment of those uses. MRLs are also set to the same standards for residues of pesticides in imported food and feed. MRLs for glyphosate have been agreed for a range of products including dry pulses, oilseeds and cereals. This legislation also establishes an EU programme for monitoring compliance with these MRLs. Under EU pesticides legislation, the European Food Safety Authority has assessed the consumer safety of glyphosate residues, in relation to their presence on imported genetically modified crop commodities, and concluded that existing MRLs should remain unchanged.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3703; 722 c73WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Agriculture: Genetically Modified Crops
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Written questions
House of Lords; Agriculture: Genetically Modified Crops
Monday, 25 October 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Crops Health hazards Genetically modified organisms Food Residues Weedkillers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk