Vol. 501 No. 3
75 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children the research, if any, his Department has undertaken or commissioned on the implications for public health of the wider consumption of genetically modified foodstuffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5935/99]
I am very much aware of public concern in relation to genetically modified foodstuffs. I am keeping the matter of genetic modification of foodstuffs under continuing review and I am determined to ensure public health and the rights of the consumer are fully protected in this regard.
Regulation governing the placing on the market of a genetically modified food provides adequate protection to consumers. Regulation No. 258/97 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients provides for a pre-market approval system for novel foods, including genetically modified foods, throughout the European Union. No product consisting of, containing or derived from a genetically modified organism can be authorised for marketing in the European Union without first having undergone an appropriate safety assessment.
A subcommittee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland advises my Department on an ongoing basis on issues in the area of genetically modified foods and acts as a forum for the exchange of expert scientific opinion and advice on this new technology and its application to food. This committee keeps developments in relation to GMOs under regular review and also acts as the assessment body for applications made under Regulation No. 258/97. This subcommittee is in the process of preparing a report on GMOs and novel foods and I await this with interest.
Last August, my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, published a consultation paper on genetically modified organisms and the environment. The three main aims of this consultation paper were to explain the regulatory process, identify key issues of concern and establish the views of all interested parties. I understand the Minister is in the final stages of consultation on this paper and that this final phase will consist of consultation over two days with interested parties and will be chaired by an independent person. I await the outcome of this consultation with interest.
