Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 3

Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Organisms.

Mary Upton

Question:

97 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on a recent study (details supplied) that many products are being inaccurately labelled as GM-free and organic; the steps he is taking to prevent this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13990/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, undertook this survey to check for compliance with regulations on the labelling of genetically modified food. The survey, which formed part of the EU co-ordinated programme for the official control of foodstuffs for 2002, examined a wide range of both soya and maize containing foods.

Samples used for this survey included breakfast cereals, baby foods, snack foods, dried soya products, soya and maize flours and bakery products. The results show that 12 of the 75 samples tested – 16% – contained GM ingredients authorised for food use within the EU. Under EU Regulation (EC) No. 49/2000, food or ingredients that have 1% or less GM content do not require GM-specific labelling if the operator can show that the food or ingredients were from a non-GM source, which would indicate that the GM content was due to technically unavoidable contamination. None of the samples which were found by the FSAI to contain GM material contained greater than this 1% threshold.

As part of the follow up to the survey, the FSAI wrote to the companies whose products contained GM ingredients seeking confirmation that the products or ingredients in question were sourced from non-GM sources. All companies responded with documentary evidence to the satisfaction of the FSAI, which meant that specific GM labelling was not required.

However, the survey showed that six of the 12 foods containing GM material had labels indicat ing that they contained no GM ingredients, with one of those also having an organic label. One additional product had an organic label. Under current EU legislation, labelling cannot mislead the consumer to a material degree as to the content or production of a food. The FSAI has followed up with the companies involved to make them aware of the relevant legislation and of their responsibilities under the law. As a result, one food company has already responded to the FSAI and has indicated that GM-free type labelling will be removed from the foodstuffs concerned. The FSAI has indicated that a further formal survey focusing on products with GM-free labels will be undertaken with a view to enforcement action in the event of non-compliance.

It should be stressed that the purpose of the survey was to ensure that GM products were correctly labelled so that consumers have the required information to enable them make informed choices about the food they purchase. I am satisfied that the problem identified with the use of GM-free labels in a small number of cases has been addressed by the FSAI.