Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 3

Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Organisms.

Liam Aylward

Question:

126 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some genetically modified foods currently being imported are causing serious illness to consumers; if he has satisfied himself with the labelling of such products; and the conditions governing the importation of such foods. [30266/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

I am not aware of any health problems experienced by Irish consumers due to imported genetically modified foods. If the Deputy wishes to provide me with such information I will be happy to pursue the matter further.

The importation and labelling of GM foods in Ireland is governed by the following EU Regulations: – Regulation (EC) No. 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients; 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 as amended by Regulation (EC) No. 49/2000; Regulation (EC) No. 50/2000 on the labelling of foodstuffs and food ingredients containing additives and flavourings that have been genetically modified or have been produced from genetically modified organisms.

The labelling requirements as prescribed in these regulations ensure that the final consumer is informed of any characteristic or food property, such as composition, nutritional value or nutritional effects or the intended use of the food, which renders a food or food ingredient no longer equivalent to an existing food or food ingredient.

The controls which exist in the regulations outlined above provide protection to consumers and I am keeping the matter under continuing review to ensure that this continues to be the case.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has embarked on a nationwide GM food surveillance campaign to ascertain compliance levels with these regulations, initially targeting food products which possibly contain illegal GM ingredients, and improperly labelled authorised GM food. I look forward to receiving the results of this survey which I understand will be available early in 2001.