The most recent survey carried out by the European Commission on the subject of genetically modified organisms, GMOs, was Eurobarometer 55.2 in May-June 2001 which looked at European citizens' experience and perception of science and technology. Results of the EU survey indicated an uncertainty among consumers towards GM foods but displayed a strong demand for information to facilitate the right of the consumer to choose whether to buy GM foods.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland's, FSAI, food safety consultative council, FSCC, undertook a consumer attitudes to food safety in Ireland survey in 2002. In this survey it was found that, when unprompted, consumers' concerns regarding GM foods were at a very low percentage level — 5%. When specific safety concerns were prompted, the level of concern rose significantly to 62%. However, those concerns were often vague or unspecified.
In the intervening period there have been significant developments. For example, during 2004, the European Union's new regulatory framework for GMOs entered into force with the consequent lifting of what was referred to as the moratorium on new GMOs. In response to consumer concerns, the EU has developed a robust safeguard system of legislation covering the deliberate release of GMOs into the environment, the introduction of regulations on GM food and feed, traceability and labelling of GMOs, transboundary movement of GMOs and guidance on the co-existence of GM and conventional crops.
These developments have paved the way for a high level of consumer, public health and environmental protection as they require the rigorous pre-marketing assessment of GM food and feed and include safeguard measures on labelling and traceability. The safety of GM products is independently assessed by the European Food Safety Authority, EFSA, on a case by case basis and GM food is now required to be clearly labelled, thus ensuring greater consumer confidence and choice.
Ireland, in common with other member states and as required by EU rules, applies EU legislation on GM foods. This legislation is in the form of EU regulations which are directly applicable to and binding on each member state. At present, Ireland has no additional national legislation on GM foods. However, my Department is working on introducing provisions into national legislation which will allow for enforcement measures, including penalties, in the case of non-compliance with the recently adopted regulations.
The FSAI is the competent authority in Ireland for the enforcement of legislation governing GM food and carries out regular surveys of the marketplace to ensure compliance with GM food legislation. The results of these surveys have been published with national media coverage and also on the FSAI website. The FSAI, through its GMO and novel foods sub-committee, assesses dossiers from EFSA regarding application for authorisation within the EU of GM foods and, consequently, feeds into the decision making process at EFSA.
The FSAI has published a leaflet on food safety and genetically modified foods which is being updated to take account of new legislation. In addition, the FSAI, in conjunction with Departments and industry organisations, is formulating a guidance note for industry which will highlight the legislation with regard to GMOs.
The public has access to unbiased information on GM foods from the FSAI and can also access information from each of three Departments — Health and Children, Agriculture and Food and Environment, Heritage and Local Government — on any aspects of GMOs within the remits of these Departments. This has resulted in requests for information from concerned individuals and groups either directly or through their local representatives in the Dáil. I am satisfied that appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of authorised GM foods or foods containing GM ingredients placed on the market in Ireland.
