Billy Timmins
Ceist:287 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children his policy regarding the import of GMO foods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18931/03]
Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Ireland applies EU legislation on genetically modified food imports and has no additional national legislation. Under EU rules, only the following authorised GM foods, or foods containing ingredients thereof, can be imported: roundup ready soya; maize T25; maize MON810; maize Bt 176 and Bt11; maize MON809; oil from six approved oilseed rapes and two cottonseeds.
Over recent years the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has carried out checks of the market place for compliance with the GM legislation. No non-authorised GM varieties have been found.