Don't rule out biotechnology for food production, Byrne tells agriculture ministers
Mr David Byrne, the European Commissioner for Health and consumer protection has urged EU agriculture ministers to be open to the potential offered by biotechnology for food production. 'It could be a serious mistake to assume that biotech means poor quality,' he told ministers at the informal Agriculture Council in Biarritz earlier this month. 'If for example, GM [genetically modified] foods offer the opportunity to reduce the levels of pesticide residues, or improve nutritional qualities, it would be negligent to ignore these advantages.' Mr Byrne announced plans to confront the issue of GMOs in the coming months, stating his decisions will be guided by 'caution, transparency, democracy and harmonisation.' The Council is also set to discuss a number of key issues related to GMOs to be raised in forthcoming proposals from the Commission. These will look to introduce or update legislation in areas such as novel foods and novel feeds, labelling and traceability of GMOs. The proposals will only be agreed however, if current legislation governing the release of GMOs is revised. 'I would appeal to ministers to work closely with their colleagues in the Environment Council where the formal discussions on this revision are taking place,' said the Commissioner. Mr Byrne plans to present a proposal on food safety and a new 'food safety authority;' in the near future, which he says are 'just two examples of the fundamental change of direction which is taking place to ensure that food is safe.' 'The real challenge....is how to do so in an effective, proportional manner. And, this is a formidable challenge. We...must seize this opportunity to ensure that these proposals, when finally adopted, address our citizens' expectations and concerns,' he concluded.