Written question asked by David Crausby (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 February 1999. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 February 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, if he will require food manufacturers who support the use of non-modified organisms to make public the systems they use to ensure that their commitments to non-modified organism can be verified. - Includes ref to Reg(EC)1139/98. (Holding answer 1 February 1999).

Answer: Mr. Crausby: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will require food manufacturers who support the use of non-modified organisms to make public the systems they use to ensure that their commitments to non-modified organisms can be verified. [68620] Mr. Rooker: [holding answer 1 February 1999]: EC Regulation 1139/98, which establishes the legal requirements for labelling foods containing GM soya and maize, and sets a precedent for the labelling of all GM foods, recognises that any food labelled as not containing GM soya or maize must be verifiable by scientific or other means. Enforcement of this requirement is a matter for Local Authorities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 68620; 324 c690-1W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: EU law Genetically modified organisms Food Labelling Soya beans Maize