In developing Mutual Recognition Agreements , and in defining functional equivalence, it is essential that regulations and rulemaking procedures not be harmonised downward, but that the end result be equal or improved safety, health and consumer protections. The US and the EC should include in the TEP work plan, a discussion of ways to resolve Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards Agreement disputes, including the US-EC Beef Hormone case, in a manner which preserves the rights of WTO Member governments to take a precautionary approach to food safety. In considering biotechnology , we urge governments to promote transparency and information for consumers by requiring labelling of all genetically engineered food. Further, in developing ways to encourage simultaneous applications for environmental and safety assessments in the US and EU, the US government should institute a system of mandatory government pre-market safety reviews for genetically engineered food. In considering facilitating electronic commerce , we urge governments to negotiate measures that protect privacy, and which maintain or enhance consumer protections that currently exist in the EU and US against fraud, faulty merchandise, or dangerous products, and which insure redress.
Consumer groups have significant concerns about expansion of intellectual property rights .
In discussing any new patent protections for inventions involving computer programmes, or design protections, we urge governments to bear in mind that the fundamental purpose of patent protection is to encourage innovation, not to protect investment. Regarding protection of confidential business information submitted by pharmaceutical companies in support of approval for new products, we urge governments to increase, not decrease transparency in regulation. Regarding database protection, negotiations should not allow private parties to restrict access to information currently in the public domain. US and EU consumers would be greatly affected if measures outlined in the TEP Plan were implemented.