Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 8 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 June 1999. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 June 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 all foods on sale which contain genetically-modified soya beans have had those soya beans subject to safety testing after being sprayed with the herbicide they are designed to resist; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to data deposited in the British Library (SUP No 11093). (Holding answer 15 June 1999).

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all foods on sale which contain genetically modified soya beans have had those soya beans subject to safety testing after being sprayed with the herbicide they are designed to resist; and if he will make a statement. [86747] Mr. Rooker: [holding answer 15 June 1999]: Yes. In 1996, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes considered data supplied by Monsanto on its genetically modified Round-up Ready soya bean after spraying with Round-up herbicide and, contrary to recent reports in the press, found that levels of phytoestrogen were comparable to those in conventional soya beans. The data have been deposited in the British Library (SUP No.11093).

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 333 c193W; 86747
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Genetically modified organisms Food Safety Testing Soya beans Weedkillers