Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which his Department monitors activity relating to genetically modified food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30382/01]
Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Organisms.
My Department and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland monitors activity relating to genetically modified food products at national and international level.
The FSAI in its role as the competent authority for novel foods strives to ensure that only EU-authorised GM ingredients are marketed in Ireland and that proper labelling criteria are adhered to on the foods concerned. It should be noted that in Europe only a small number of GM food ingredients are authorised and the EU, with participation from Ireland, is in the process of coordinating GM sampling and analysis strategies for use by all member states.
As for monitoring GM food on the Irish market, the FSAI has published one report in May of this year, on the FSAI website, relating to GM maize ingredients in maize-based snacks such as tacos, tortillas and nachos. The most recent survey, which should be published shortly, focused on soya-based foods and this report will also be on the FSAI website once published. It is important to remember that these surveys are not carried out only for food safety reasons but focus also on enforcing novel food and GM food regulations.