WRITTEN QUESTION E-1627/00 by Albert Maat (PPE-DE) and Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Genetically modified salmon.
Date: 2000-05-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: common commercial policy, fish, market approval, transgenic animal

3.4.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 103 E/17

this expenditure cannot be
from the date on which the Commission received the programme but
reimbursed from the Community budget until after approval. Thus some expenditure has probably already
been incurred but cannot yet appear in the Commission(cid:146)s accounts.

The Commission considers that the existing legal framework will permit approval of the programmes

3.
in the near future and hence utilisation of the appropriations without any need for new proposals.

(1) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.
(2) OJ L 214, 13.8.1999.

(2001/C 103 E/017)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1627/00

by Albert Maat (PPE-DE) and Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Genetically modified salmon

(29 May 2000)

is planning to bring
Various sources of information report that an American company (AF Protein)
genetically modified salmon on to the market.
In this salmon, the gene that is responsible for the
production of growth hormones is modified. This causes the modified salmon to have a much higher
growth rate than its natural congener. There is a risk that modified salmon will oppress its natural
congeners and thus eliminate in the longer term the genetic material of natural salmon. Furthermore, little
is known about their sensitivity to diseases. Although the company argues that their salmon is infertile,
there is reason to doubt the safety of this product. If the product is commercialised on a large scale, one
mistake could cause an enormous disaster.

European producers have indicated that they are interested and willing to bring this salmon on to the
European market.

Is the Commission aware of plans to commercialise genetically modified salmon?

Does the Commission share the view that such practices pose great risks as regards biodiversity, fish
diseases and the survival of non-modified species?

What is the Commission(cid:146)s position on the possible future introduction of modified salmon on to the
European market?

Is the Commission willing to undertake action (at WTO and UN level) to prevent this?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 2000)

The Commission is aware of several press articles dealing with genetically modified salmon. Apparently the
development of fast growing salmon has reached a state where commercial use appears feasible.
In
particular companies from North America have expressed their interest.

An application has been submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration for permission to
market such salmon (see Nature, Vol. 406 of 6 July 2000, pp. 10-12). In addition to examining whether
transgenic salmon are fit for human consumption and animal welfare aspects, the potential environmental
impact is being examined in conjunction with two other agencies (Fish and Wildlife Service and National
Mar(cid:237)ne Fisheries Service).

C 103 E/18

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.4.2001

The Commission has funded some research projects on the potential risks of transgenic fish in contained
facilities. This ensures that Europe has the expertise available to address the safety issues. However, further
research is required to ensure that such fish, on a case by case basis, would not have unacceptable impacts
on biodiversity and the environment in general.

Council Directive 90/220/EEC of 23 April 1990, on the deliberate release into the environment of
genetically modified organisms (1) (GMOs) covers both experimental and commercial releases of GMOs
and would include releases of genetically engineered salmon. Applications for such releases require, as a
pre-requisite, a comprehensive assessment of risks to human health and the environment. They are
considered on a case-by-case basis. An authorisation is only granted on the basis that there is no reason
to believe that the release will have an adverse effect on human health or the environment under the
conditions of consent.

There have been no applications yet for commercial releases of genetically modified salmon under
Directive 90/220/EEC and no consents for such have been granted. Similarly, the Commission has received
no summary notifications from Member States with respect
to experimental releases of genetically
modified salmon under the Directive.

if the salmon were destined for human consumption,

In addition,
it would have to undergo prior
authorisation under Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the Parliament and the Council of 27 January 1997
concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients (2). Again, authorisations will only be granted on the
basis that there is no reason to believe that the release would have an adverse effect on human health or
the environment.

Any action would depend on the detailed analysis of the circumstances in a concrete case.

(1) OJ L 117, 8.5.1990.
(2) OJ L 43, 14.2.1997.

(2001/C 103 E/018)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1637/00

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Situation of the dairy sector

(29 May 2000)

In its reply of 27 march 2000 to my earlier written question E-0549/00 (1), the Commission refers to
certain data and aspects which I would like the Commission to clarify.

Firstly, it is notable that in the case of Greece, the data presented refers to an exceedingly short period
(April to August 1999) which does not allow valid comparisons to be made and conclusions to be drawn.
Could the Commission supply the most recent data available concerning the 1999-2000 milk year, at the
very least concerning November or December 1999? In view of that data, what are the end-of-year
forecasts?

Secondly, regarding the United Kingdom, can the Commission identify the zone(s) responsible for the
overshoot in that country? More specifically, to what extent did Northern Ireland contribute to the excess
production registered in the United Kingdom according to data referring to December 1999?

Finally, and on a different matter, while the deadline for the submission of official data to the Commission
is 1 September following the end of the milk year, it is well known that most Member States provide
regular updates regarding their situation and that by 15 May most countries know the final figures. With
regard to the above, could the Commission supply me with the final delivery data for the 1999-2000 milk
year for the various Member States as and when they submit such data?

(1) OJ C 374 E, 28.12.2000, p. 102.