[REPONSE] Parlement européen : Question E-001941-19 de Martin Häusling (Verts/ALE) sur le Groupe de travail sur les OGM dans les semences

Niveau juridique : Union européenne

Texte de la question

« On 18 October 2018, in the regulatory committee pursuant to the directive on deliberate release of GMOs (2001/18/EC), the Commission agreed to discuss convergence of the ways in which Member States take samples and test for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in seed, and announced steps to be taken for this purpose. On 3 December 2018, the Commission stated in the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF committee) that a special working group would consider implementation issues relating to the monitoring of GM seed.

1. Which Member States, authorities and institutions are participating in this working group on the monitoring of GM seed in the Member States and who is in the chair, or what are the plans for this?

2. Which of the following topics are to be discussed by the working group, in each case to consider which questions? Sampling density, methods and timing of sampling, methods of analysis, rules on the interpretation of results, minimum required performance limits (MRPLs), the introduction of ‘technical limit values’, the measures to be taken in response to a ‘low-level presence’.

3. Does the Commission advocate the introduction of a ‘technical zero’ or minimum required performance limit for seed, as defined for feed in Regulation (EU) No 619/2011, even though, in the case of seed from crops such as rape, maize or soya, it is feasible to detect the presence of GM seed at well below the 0.1% level, and the presence of each individual contaminated seed in a sample can be proved, producing reliable results on condition that an appropriate test method and sufficient diligence are applied, and although this would be contrary to the zero tolerance principle adopted under European law? »

Réponse du 18 juin 2019 par M. Andriukaitis au nom de la Commission européenne

« 1. At the request of the Member States (expressed in the meeting of the Regulatory Committee of Directive 2001/18/EC held on 18 October 2018), the Commission agreed to act as a facilitator for the Member States on the convergence of the practical implementation of Recommendation 2004/787/EC as regards testing for adventitious Genetically Modified (GM) Organisms-presence in conventional seed. As the organiser, the Commission chairs the working group meetings and invites all Member States. The Member States designate the experts they consider most appropriate for participation.

2 and 3. The work of the working group aims at further alignment of practical control practices. It is limited to discussion on further possible convergence related to practical aspects of sampling. The working group will transfer identified aspects related to analysis to the European Union Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed for further consideration. The work does not include “technical limit values” or risk management measures in case of non-compliance »

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