MEPs urge 0.5 per cent threshold for labelling of authorised GMOs
The European Parliament's environment committee has adopted a report calling for the Commissions' proposed regulations on authorisation and labelling for genetically modified (GM) food and feed to be tightened. The first-reading report on the authorisation and labelling of genetically modified (GM) food and feed, drawn up by German MEP Karin Scheele, was adopted by only a small majority, with 28 MEPs in favour and 22 against. The Commission proposal includes provisions for a threshold above which food or feed accidentally contaminated with authorised GMOs must be labelled. The report includes an amendment reducing the proposed threshold for GM-free status from 1 per cent contamination with GM material to 0.5 per cent. However, the committee voted against establishing any threshold for non-authorised GMOs as this would undermine EU legislation on biosafety. In a vote on a first reading report by Greek MEP Antonios Trakatellis, a majority in the environment committee also voted in favour of more stringent rules on labelling and traceability for food and feed products derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While the committee broadly welcomed the objectives of the Commission proposal on the traceability of GMOs and food and feed produced from GMOs, many MEPs felt the proposals did not go far enough and called for even stricter rules. The committee voted for an amendment saying that, when placing GM produce on the market, operators must ensure that produce derived from an animal fed with GM feed or containing an ingredient obtained in this way must be clearly labelled as such. Another amendment demands that in order to ensure the traceability of animal products from animals fed on GMOs, measures should also be taken to improve the traceability of the animals themselves. The committee felt that, in view of the time lapse which may occur before health problems become evident, it is necessary to maintain records over a period of 10 rather than five years. Both reports are scheduled for debate at the July session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.