Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has to ensure that there is a legal basis to the labelling terms non GM and GM free; the discussions she has had at European level on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27995/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is the competent authority in Ireland for the enforcement of EU legislation regarding genetically modified (GM) animal feed. The authorization and labelling of GM feed is governed by the GM Food and Feed Regulation (EC No.) 1829/2003. The labelling terms non GM and GM free are not defined in EU legislation and are terms that are used voluntarily by the feed industry. However, these terms are subject to general labelling requirements of animal feed which stipulates that labelling must not mislead the purchaser as to the characteristics of the feedingstuffs. I have not been engaged in any discussions at EU level on amending this Regulation and I am not aware of any proposals to do so.