WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3353/98 by Maartje van PUTTEN Cross- fertilisation of transgenic crops with related non- transgenic food crops
Date: 1998-11-16
Institutions: European Parliament, VAN PUTTEN
Subjects: agricultural product, application of EU law, biotechnology, crop production, foodstuff, foodstuffs legislation, genetically modified organism, public health, research and development, research project

C 325/6

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

12.11.1999

to believe that there will be any adverse effect on human health and the environment. This is in accordance
with the precautionary principle as set out in Article 130 of the EC Treaty.

(1) OJ L 117, 8.5.1990.
(2) OJ L 37, 15.2.1996.

(1999/C 325/006)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3353/98

by Maartje van Putten (PSE) to the Commission

(16 November 1998)

Subject: Cross-fertilisation of transgenic crops with related non-transgenic food crops

Is the Commission aware of the possibility that field experiments can be conducted with transgenic crops in
which use is made of gene constructs that might well represent a potential danger to human health if
consumed?

Is the Commission aware of the possibility that such gene constructs could accidentally find their way into
related non-transgenic food crops by way of cross-fertilisation?

Will the Commission propose measures as part of the review of Directive 90/220 (1) that will prevent cross-
fertilization at the stage of field experiments for as long as any uncertainty remains concerning the food-safety
of the relevant gene construct and the expression products in different varieties?

(1) OJ L 117, 8.5.1990, p. 15.

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(8 January 1999)

Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms
(GMOs) lays down the provisions for undertaking a deliberate release of GMOs for research and development
purposes (field experiments). Under the Directive the Member States have a duty to ensure that all appropriate
measures are taken to avoid adverse effects to human health and the environment which might arise from the
deliberate release of GMOs.

Deliberate releases for research and development purposes of genetically modified organisms are only
authorised following a thorough risk assessment. In accordance with the Directive the risk assessment takes
into account all the issues mentioned by the Honourable Member. Consents for the release of GMOs are only
granted if there is no reason to believe that there will be any adverse effects on human health and the
environment. If it is deemed necessary from the risk assessment to require measures to minimise gene transfer,
such as an isolation distance, these are made a condition of the consent.

Since 1986 the Commission has spent ECU 31 million on biosafety research, which has addressed the
potential risks for human health and the environment with regard to GMOs. The results from this research
indicate that the technology of genetic modification is not inherently dangerous. Any risks arising from the
application of the technology depend upon the characteristics introduced into the plant. The data from that
research will contribute to the scientific basis required for a full and sufficient risk assessment of GMOs.

Article 4 (3) requires the authorities to organise inspections and other control measures to ensure compliance
with the Directive and consents issued under the Directive.

The Commission proposal for amending Directive 90/220/EEC (1) aims to maintain the high standards for a
complete risk assessment for deliberate releases in order to ensure safety for the environment and human
health. It also aims to harmonise the risk assessment and increase efficiency and transparency in order to build
up long term confidence in the regulatory system with the public.

(1) COM(98) 85 final.