Thresholds for the labelling of conventional seed
27.4.2005
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1655/05
by Renate Sommer (PPE‑DE)
to the Commission
In connection with establishing thresholds in law for the labelling of conventional seed which unintentionally but technically unavoidably contains traces of genetically modified organisms, the Commission intends to lay down a mandatory protocol for seed sampling and testing. A food and feed testing protocol is already in force.
The Commission is bound to be aware that seed companies already have a host of requirements to meet with regard to the testing of their products. In addition to international activities, in particular involving the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), there are at present very many new and evidently uncoordinated activities (e.g. involving the ISO), making for further general and legal uncertainty for seed producers.
1. Can the Commission say why the seed sampling and testing protocol is not to be laid down until the thresholds are established?
2. Given that the process of establishing seed thresholds has now been held up for years, would the Commission be prepared to lay down the sampling and testing protocol immediately?
3. Does the Commission take the view that the sampling and testing protocol should be geared as far as possible to the ISTA-developed tests?
OJ C 299, 08/12/2006