Pan-EU network launched to check GMO levels in food

Date: 05/12/02

By Karen Carstens

PHILIPPE Busquin, the research commissioner, has launched a European network to test for the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food.

The announcement came yesterday (4 December) after agriculture ministers agreed to a new labelling regime for food and, for the first time, animal feed containing GMOs.

'Whilst robust legislation to regulate the use of GMOs in food and feed is necessary, it is not enough on its own,' Busquin said. 'We have to enforce the legislation and develop reliable, validated tests to verify compliance. The network of GMO laboratories will greatly improve our capacity to detect and screen GMOs and to provide a sound scientific basis for enforcing biotechnology legislation,' he added. 'It provides us with an important tool to ensure that we harvest the potential that biotechnology holds for consumers in a responsible way.'

By creating a pan-European network of scientists based in more than 45 laboratories, the Commission aims to ease the burden on industry and regulators of the day-to-day analytical implications of GMO regulations. Agriculture ministers agreed last Thursday (28 November) to the same 0.9% threshold for GMO content for all EU food and animal feed.

Environment ministers will discuss traceability when they meet on Monday (9 December).

Philippe Busquin, the research commissioner, has launched a European network to test for the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food.