WRITTEN QUESTION E-2142/00 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission. 1 % GMO limit.
Date: 2000-06-30
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European social policy, food inspection, genetically modified organism

C 103 E/70

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.4.2001

(2001/C 103 E/074)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2134/00

by Klaus-Heiner Lehne (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 June 2000)

Subject: Subsidies for travel firms

The travel firm of Eggeland Reisen organises tours to Sicily and claims to be subsidised by the European
Union. During the tour a (cid:145)promotional sales display of craft textiles and household implements(cid:146) takes place.
The firm advertises its headquarters as being in Leinefelde (Thuringia), but all tour arrangements are carried
out through the firm of Hermes Verwaltungs GmbH in Stuckenbrock near Bielefeld (North Rhine-
Westphalia).

In this connection I have the following questions:

1.

2.

Is either of these two companies in receipt of subsidies for tours to Sicily in particular?

If so, what is the amount of the subsidy?

3. What conditions must a travel firm fulfil in order to obtain a subsidy if it carries out promotions for

products during the tour?

4. How does the Commission check whether these conditions are being met after the subsidy has been

granted?

5. What measures does the Commission take against firms which falsely claim to receive subsidies from

the European Union under false pretences?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(15 September 2000)

1. and 2.
On the basis of information available to the Commission no grants have been made to either
the Eggeland Reisen or PHG Hermes travel agencies for any purpose, and certainly not to subsidise tours
of Sicily.

Sicily is an objective 1 region which does receive support from the structural funds, including for tourism.
However, that does not include subsidies to travel agencies promoting tours to Sicily.

3. and 4.
sort.

No subsidies are available using Community finance to carry out product promotions of this

5.

It is the responsibility of the Member States to carry out any prosecutions which may be necessary.

(2001/C 103 E/075)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2142/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 2000)

Subject: 1 % GMO limit

Will the Commission indicate what tests will be used to check compliance with the limit referred to above?

Does the Commission agree that it will be difficult for the EU to defend itself before the WTO if such a
test is not available?

3.4.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 103 E/71

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(28 September 2000)

The development and validation of detection methods for genetically modified organisms (GMO) and
GMO-derived products has been recognised by the Commission as an important element
for the
implementation of Community legislation in Member States ensuring the safe use and appropriate labelling
of these products.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the Commission has been co-ordinating the development and validation
of DNA- and protein-based detection methods for genetically modified foods in the past and will continue
to do so.
In this context, the JRC has initiated the establishment of a network of authorities and
laboratories from the Member States. The main objective is to provide control laboratories with appro-
priate reference samples and with validated test protocols to improve the existing protocols and to
promote harmonisation in the development of test methods and in the interpretation of the data generated
by them. Contacts are also maintained with third countries.

A workshop with the authorities of Member States dealing with novel foods on methods for the detection
of GMO-derived foodstuffs was organised by the Commission in November 1999 and the minutes are
published (1).

In addition, research on the development and validation of appropriate detection methods for GMOs and
GMO-derived products are financed under the 5th framework programme for Research and technological
development.

Regulation (EC) No 49/2000 of 10 January 2000 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1139/98
concerning the compulsory indication on the labelling of certain foodstuffs produced from genetically
modified organisms of particulars other than those provided for in Directive 79/112/EEC (2) introducing a
1 % de minimis threshold, recognises that adventitious contamination of foodstuff with DNA or protein
resulting from genetic modification cannot be excluded. The Regulation provides for the derogation to the
obligation, laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1139/98 to label all products derived from two varieties of
genetically modified organisms (maize and soya).
It is difficult to see how a relaxation of labelling
requirements could constitute a barrier to trade, or why it would be challenged under WTO.

The Community regulations on labelling of novel foods have been notified under the technical barriers to
trade (TBT) Agreement. Both foreign and domestic operators on the market need to comply with
Community labelling requirements. Therefore, the Community labelling practice is not discriminatory in
nature.

(1) EUR 19049 EN.
(2) OJ L 6, 11.1.2000.

(2001/C 103 E/076)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2143/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 2000)

Subject: JRC and tests for GMO levels

Is it true that the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is engaged in developing a test for GMO levels in food, given
that no such test currently exists?