The import of food modified by CRISPR-Cas technology

28.1.2019

Question for written answer E-000445-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marietje Schaake (ALDE)

Last week, a Dutch newspaper published the results of an investigation into Canadian grown or produced food imported into Europe[1].

The investigation revealed that fruit and vegetables grown with the use of so-called CRISPR-Cas technology can enter the European market undetected. In 2018, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that such technology should be considered as a form of genetically modified food.

The Dutch food safety authority has indicated it cannot yet detect the use of CRISPR-Cas technology.

1. Is the Commission aware of food modified with CRISPR-Cas technology being imported from Canada for the European market?

2. What measures is it taking to make sure that food imported from countries using CRISPR-Cas technologies can be tested, or labelled accordingly under applicable trade agreements between the EU and third countries, so as to ensure that European consumers are aware of what they are buying?

• [1] https://fd.nl/ondernemen/1285437/gemuteerd-voedsel-kan-via-canada-toch-naar-nederland