Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 1

Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Organisms.

John Bruton

Question:

135 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the transfer of genes from one plant species to another, through genetic engineering, can make the host plant allergenic in a way that it was not before thereby making if more difficult for people to avoid consuming foods to which they may be allergic; and if he has satisfied himself that adequate controls exist regarding the sale of crop derived food products here to guard against this danger, particularly regarding imports. [15448/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I am informed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland that it is scientifically feasible for a gene that encodes for a plant allergen, for example, a peanut allergen, to be transferred through genetic engineering to another plant species.

Regulation (EC) No 258/97 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients provides that novel foods and novel food ingredients, including genetically modified food, must undergo a safety assessment and be officially approved/authorised before being placed on the European market. It also contains provisions in certain instances for the labelling of novel foods and novel food ingredients. A genetically modified food that contains a transferred known allergen gene would not pass this authorisation process and would therefore not be approved for marketing in the EU.