Written question asked by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Thursday, 15 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 July 1999. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 July 1999 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, pursuant to his Answer of 16th June 1999 at 333 c192-3W, on genetically-modified foods, if the feeding studies on animals over the period 1994 to 1996 used crops treated with Round-up; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Joan Ruddock: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 16 June 1999, Official Report, columns 192-93, on genetically modified foods, if the feeding studies on animals over the period 1994 to 1996 used crops treated with Round-up; and if he will make a statement. [92106] Mr. Rooker: Following an extensive compositional analysis of Monsanto's genetically modified soya beans, the ACNFP concluded that treatment with glyphosate did not alter the composition of the soya beans themselves. The only difference seen when the GM soya beans are treated with glyphosate is a slightly greater level of the metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid. The toxicity of glyphosate and its metabolites have been studied as part of the approval process for glyphosate and shown to be of low toxicity to humans. The ACNFP was thus satisfied that the safety of Monsanto's GM soya beans had been fully characterised and that the sacrifice of further animals in additional feeding studies using glyphosate treated soya beans was therefore unnecessary.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 92106; 336 c360W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Animal feed Genetically modified organisms Food Safety Testing Soya beans Monsanto Weedkillers