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Brussels, 8/04/1997
Meeting On Biotechnology
EURO COOP pleads for a responsible use of biotechnology
Within the context of the present debate on biotechnology and following an earlier reaction to the Commission's Decisions to authorize the marketing of genetically modified soya beans and maize, EURO COOP would like to put forward its global approach to biotechnology and comment on certain recent developments.
EURO COOP is not opposed to the use of biotechnology which offers the potential to improve product production, quality, taste or nutritional value as long as it does not have a harmful impact on consumers, the environment or socio-econornic concerns.
When biotechnology is used, EURO COOP insists that traceability through the segregation of genetically modified products from traditional products must be ensured.
EURO COOP calls for a responsible and controlled use of biotechnology, with the following minimum guarantees:
- genetically modified products must offer a real benefit and no disadvantage to the consumer (and/or the environment. It is up to the manufacturer to prove such benefit to consumers)
- genetically modified products must not present any risk for human health or the environment.,
- the consumer's right to be informed about the regulatory process and the content of the product must be respected.
It is essential that a clear regulatory framework is put in place at EU level to ensure that these guarantees are respected. The revision of Directive 90/220 on the voluntary release of gentically modified organisms into the environment should allow for the establishment of stricter evaluation and classification criteria of the risks and clear labelling rules.
Consumer and product safety is of paramount importance, and the precautionary principle should always prevail in the risk assessment before any placing on the market. The forthcoming review of Directive 90/220 should set up stricter criteria for risk assessment and risk classification.
The long-term impact of GM0s on human and animal health, and on the environment should be carefully assessed before their release in to the environment, and monitored and assessed after release.
Consumers have the right to be informed, and to make a choice to use or avoid genetically modified products. This right can be met either through clear product labelling, or through information campaigns, leaflets, etc. It is important that there is a high profile, objective and sustained information programme to educate the consumer about the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering so that choices can be based on science and knowledge rather than prejudice and ignorance.
Therefore, it is fundamental to ensure traceability through the segregation of genetically modified products from traditional products. As long as the manufacturer cannot have full knowledge of the genetic status of the ingredients, the consumer's right to be informed will not be guaranteed.
Concerning this global approach to biotechnology, EURO COOP would like to make the following comments on certain recent developments:
- EURO COOP supports the Commission proposal to set up a scientific committee for the evaluation of the risks concerning genetically modified organisms which should aim to guarantee a responsible use of biotechnology in the European Union.
- EURO COOP feels that the recent Commission proposal to revise Directive 90/220 is wholly insufficient. EURO COOP reiterates what it had noted in February 1997, to make it compulsory for producers to put on their labels "may consist of or contain GMOs", does not ensure traceability, or guarantee the consumer's right to be informed.
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