WRITTEN QUESTION E-2086/00

by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 June 2000)

Subject: Testing GM crops in Member States

To what extent do the current national systems (implemented in Member States) test GM crops for their impact on human health in the following fields (including the ways in which such impact may be the same as or different from that of non-GM crops and foodstuffs):

1. the change (and difference) in the nutritional and non-nutritional components of GM crops and foodstuffs compared with their non-modified analogues

2. the potential allergic impact of GM crops and foodstuffs on protein-sensitive individuals (such as those allergic to nuts), including cross-reactivity of potential protein allergens

3. the effect of GM crops and foodstuffs on the foetus

4. the effect of GM crops and foodstuffs on tumour initiation, growth and proliferation

5. the effect of GM crops and foodstuffs on the immune system, including the impact of GM food antigens, their impact on the survival and uptake of specific proteins such as proteinase inhibitors, and on leucocyte profile and functional efficiency

6. the effect of GM crops and foodstuffs on the intestinal system, including protein and glycoprotein synthesis, the microbial organisms present in the intestinal tract and the ecological balance of intestinal microbial flora?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2083/00, E-2084/00 and E-2086/00 given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(3 October 2000)

Genetically modified (GM) plants or products derived therefrom, if intended for use as foods or food ingredients are subject to the novel food Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients(1)).

The Commission has provided guidelines for the presentation and assessment of applications under the novel food Regulation (Commission Recommendation 618/97/EC concerning the scientific aspects and presentation of information necessary to support applications for the placing on the market of novel foods and novel food ingredients and the preparation of initial assessment reports under Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the Parliament and of the Council)(2).

The assessment of novel foods and novel food ingredients has to be done on a case-by-case basis. The initial assessment is carried out by a Member State's food assessment body. The Commission and the other Member States have 60 days to comment on, or to raise objections to, this initial assessment report. In case of objections, the Commission consults the scientific committee for food (SCF). All opinions of the SCF are published on the internet. The Commission intends to ensure that, in the future, assessments to which no objections have been raised, and thus no SCF opinion has been sought, will also be made available on the internet.

The Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) is currently conducting a study,(3) which aims at collecting and analysing information about the consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products derived from GMOs in the short and long term perspective. This report is due to be finished in early 2001 and its results may provide additional information of reference to the matter.

(1) OJ L 43, 14.2.1997.

(2) OJ L 253, 16.9.1997.

(3) Impact of GMOs on Human Health and the Environment: Mapping of risks coordinated by IPTS-Seville.