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Brussels, 16 october 1996
Genetically modified soya beans:
consumers' right to be informed must be respected
Euro Coop insists that consumers have a right to be informed about the use of modern gene technology in the production of their food. This is essential to ensure consumer confidence in food which is often fragile. Experience has shown that the fear of being misled is one of the major causes of food scares in Europe.
In the absence of a regulatory framework, including the delay in agreeing on the novel foods regulation, it is in the interests of the biotechnology industry to keep consumers fully informed at all stages in order not to alienate consumer opinion.
Euro Coop therefore calls urgently on US soya producers to segregate the 2% of the crop which is genetically modified. Euro Coop also calls on all producers to apply the same principle in the future.
Given the lack of commitment to segregation and traceability, cooperative societies across the EU are seeking reassurance from their suppliers that the provision of non-genetically modified soya can be guaranteed.
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