The deadline for anyone concerned about the impact of genetic modified organisms in the UK food and farming system to respond to the Food Standards Agency consultation is 5pm on Monday 8 January.
The Food Standards Agency is currently consulting on secondary legislation following the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act, which was passed in March 2023. This will influence how GMOs will be produced and sold in the UK – whether, for example, gene-edited products are clearly labelled, or subject to a thorough risk assessment.
The organic sector have particular concerns as organic standards specifically prohibit the use of GMOs in organic farming and foods, and this includes ‘Precision Bred Organisms’.
Key players are working together to encourage consumers, farmers, businesses and organisations to express their concerns about the application of the Genetic Technology Act by responding to the consultation.
Soil Association head of standards Chris Atkinson said: “We only have a small window to make our voices heard on these key issues. The Food Standards Agency failed to reassure consumers and campaigners that they can meet their obligations to protect consumer safety in September 2023 when their board provisionally approved next steps for the Act and the regulation of gene-edited foods and feed products.
“We have deep concerns about the approach they are proposing to the identification, labelling and traceability requirements, they will simply not be able to protect public safety or guard against food fraud. “We strongly urge everyone concerned about GMOs in the UK food supply chain to have their say and respond to the consultation.”
Please click here for more information on the guidance.
