MEPs Vote for Food Nanotech Moratorium, Kick Back Commission Clone Plans
Food & Water Europe warmly welcomed the news that MEPs on the European Parliament’s Environment Committee voted last night for a moratorium on nanotechnology in food until proper risk assessment methods have been established and such products proved safe.
Brussels – Food & Water Europe warmly welcomed the news that MEPs on the European Parliament’s Environment Committee voted last night for a moratorium on nanotechnology in food until proper risk assessment methods have been established and such products proved safe. The group also welcomed the vote to stand firm on clones in food, with Green MEP Bart Staes saying the Committee has “sent the EU Commission back to the drawing board with its flawed proposals”.
EU Food Policy Advisor Eve Mitchell said, “Thank goodness MEPs are standing up once again for the Precautionary Principle and basic food safety, this time on nanotechnology and clones. Working through the hundreds of amendments tabled is not easy, but it is incredibly important to get this right.
“This ‘safety first’ approach has not been matched elsewhere in the European machinery, and we all need to support the MEPs fighting our corner – the pressure will only grow to ‘compromise’. When there is such widespread admission that our knowledge on these issues so sparse, and when the risks are so grave, compromise simply is not an option.
“Added to the disagreements currently under discussion on GMOs, the gap between our elected representatives and other powers in Europe just keeps getting wider when it comes to food safety. We commend MEPs for holding a clear, sensible line and keeping this stuff out of our food.”
Contact: Eve Mitchell, EU Food Policy Advisor, Food & Water Europe +44 (0)1381 610 740 or emitchell(a)fweurope(dot)org