MEPs urge 0.5% threshold for labelling of authorised GMOs (Environment Committee first-reading report adopted)

Brussels, 05 June 2002

The Environment Committee has adopted a first-reading report by Karin SCHEELE (PES, D) on the authorisation and labelling of genetically modified food and feed, with a majority of its members backing the view that the Commission's proposed regulation needs be toughened up.

The Commission proposal provides for a threshold above which food or feed accidentally contaminated with non-authorised GMOs must be labelled. However, the committee voted against establishing any threshold for non-authorised GMOs, as this would undermine EU legislation on biosafety. For accidental contamination with authorised GMOs, the committee adopted an amendment reducing the proposed threshold from 1% to 0.5%.

MEPs were also against any revision of the current directive 2001/18/EC after the complicated conciliation procedure that took place last year. It was felt that this new regulation should complement it instead. Lastly, amendments were adopted on the public's right to information and on the participation of national and local authorities in the authorisation procedure.

This draft report, as amended, was adopted by only a small majority, with 28 MEPs in favour, 22 against (mainly EPP-ED members) and two abstentions. It is scheduled for plenary debate under the codecision procedure at the July plenary session in Strasbourg.

04.06.2002 Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer ProtectionIn the chair: Caroline JACKSON (EPP-ED, UK)

Press enquiries:Ton Huyssoon - tel. (32-2) 28 42408e-mail: Envi-press@europarl.eu.int

European Parliament News Report 2002-06-05

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