Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

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# 92001E2320

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-2320/01 by Torben Lund (PSE) to the Commission. GMOs.** 
  
*Official Journal 081 E , 04/04/2002 P. 0152 - 0152*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2320/01

by Torben Lund (PSE) to the Commission

(31 July 2001)

Subject: GMOs

European legislation on the use of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) is highly inadequate. Knowledge of the implications of these production methods is still very limited and imprecise and does not take proper account of the precautionary principle. Full product labelling is necessary if consumers are to be able to avoid GMO products. How are the present labelling rules to ensure that consumers are able to make an informed and genuine choice regarding GMO products both goods produced in the EU and goods imported from the USA, for example. Furthermore, how will the forthcoming new labelling rules for GMO products ensure that consumers are given real choice in respect of products consisting of, containing or produced using GMOs, e.g. by the use of GM feedingstuffs? Will the new labelling rules cover both goods produced in the EU and goods imported from the USA, for example?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(22 October 2001)

The Commission can inform the Honourable Member that, on 25 July 2001, it adopted a proposal for a Regulation of the Parliament and of the Council on genetically modified food and feed(1). The Proposal includes provisions for the mandatory labelling of all food and feed consisting of, containing or produced from genetically modified organisms. These labelling requirements apply to both food and feed produced within the Community as well as food and feed imported from third countries. Products such as meat, eggs and milk from animals fed on genetically modified feed are not covered by the proposal due to the fact that such products are not directly derived from genetically modified organisms.

(1) COM(2001) 425 final.

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