Commission welcomes agreement on traceability and labelling of GMOs
Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström has welcomed the adoption by the Council of a common position for a regulation on traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The adoption of the common position on 9 December means that the regulation, which will introduce common EU measures on labelling and traceability, is a step closer to becoming European law. Commissioner Wallström said: 'The people of Europe want to be fully informed about the use of GMOs in food, feed, and agricultural production. It is our responsibility as policy makers to show strong political leadership and do what is necessary to ensure a high level of environmental protection as well as safety and consumer choice. This is essential if Europe is to reap the potential benefits of GMOs and biotechnology.' 'If we are to make acceptance of GMO products possible in the European Union then we must restore public and market confidence,' she continued. 'In order to do so, we must provide consumers with an effective choice between GMO and non-GMO products. Labelling and traceability of GMO products will enable them to choose.' The Chairman of the Environment Council, Danish Environment Minister Hans Christian Schmidt, was also pleased with the decision: 'The adoption of the two proposals means that Europe will work under one system that ensures complete traceability, thus enabling reliable labelling of all products that contain or are produced from GMOs.' In the same Council meeting, ministers also agreed on a proposal to introduce a European quota system for greenhouse gas emissions. Under the system, which will start in 2005, enterprises in the energy, steel, cement, glass, brick making, and paper industries will be able to trade pollution permits for carbon dioxide. Mr Schmidt said of the deal: 'It is good for the environment, it is good for enterprises and it is good for the economy.'