Written question asked by Julia Drown (Labour) on Thursday, 5 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 November 1998. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 November 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if current safety testing regulations for genetically-modified foods include a requirement to test for side effects in humans.

Answer: Ms Drown: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if current safety testing regulations for genetically modified foods include a requirement to test for side effects in humans. [59143] Mr. Rooker: The safety assessment of all novel, including genetically modified (GM), food is undertaken on a case by case basis in accordance with the European Commission guidelines which accompany EC Novel Foods Regulation (258/97). These guidelines, which have been published in the official Journal of the European Communities (L253 vol 40 of 16/9/97), identify the situations where human studies may be necessary. As an additional safeguard, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes, who advise ministers on the safety of novel foods, are currently considering arrangements for post market monitoring of GM foods.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 319 c688W; 59143
Session: 1997-98
EC documents: REG(EC)258/97
Subjects: Genetically modified organisms Food Regulation Research Testing Side effects