Sir, - I fail to understand how the Inter-departmental Group on Modern Biotechnology will implement its so-called precautionary approach as reported on November 20th and 21st, when in fact it is still flouting EU regulations on GM labelling.
The EU regulations 1139/98 and 50/2000 are both introducing labelling of any food products containing at least 1 per cent of GM soya or maize, or additives and flavourings derived from GM soya or maize. They should have been implemented by April 10th last. Yet the Government has failed to transpose these EU regulations into law and provide for a system of sanctions to penalise companies which fail to comply.
In the same vein, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the organisation responsible for implementing these regulations only appointed its first geneticist last August and has not carried out any random tests on food products in Ireland to ensure that these labelling laws are complied with. This is of particular concern since the FSAI claimed last May, when I first raised the issue, that it was ready to implement the EU laws.
I also find the arrogance of the Government when it comes to biotechnology and GM foods quite astounding. Publishing such a strong endorsement of a technology still in its inception and in great need of further testing just when the European Commission is about to lift the moratorium on commercial GMOs smacks of sheer irresponsibility. It appears the Government is going out of its way to prepare the grounds for the biotech companies to come to Ireland.
The Government is giving its blessing even though essential safeguards have not even been drafted. These include, ensuring GM traceability and labelling, and solving the GM contamination conundrum as well as addressing the issue of environmental liability in case of accidents.
In addition, negotiations between the European Parliament and the Commission are still ongoing on the revision of the current Directive on Deliberate Release of GMOs (9-2/50).
Furthermore, this top down approach has not involved any environmental NGOs or stakeholders. It is paying lip service to consumers' concerns and does not reflect the strong opposition of many prominent scientists and ethicists. - Yours, etc.,
Patricia McKenna, MEP, 43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.