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European Green Party: Chcete vědět, jestli máte v medu geneticky modifikovaný pyl?
29. listopadu 2013 | European Green Party
This week the Environment Committee of the European Parliament voted on proposals to revise EU rules on honey. Currently, honey contaminated by genetically modified pollen must be labelled as such. The Commission proposed to remove this requirement - a disappointing backtrack which would leave both honey producers and their sweet-toothed consumers vulnerable.
Fortunately, the majority of MEPs - including Greens in the committee - voted against the proposal, helping EU consumers remain informed about their food choices.
This is also good news for bees and their keepers. Many GM crops contain insecticides which harm bees, but beekeepers can’t always ensure that their hives are unaffected. There is a strong need for the EU to highlight awareness of GM contamination, and support those farmers who wish to continue producing quality, GM-free honey.
Clear labelling is not just for EU-produced honey - it also applies to imported honey, which currently makes up 40% of our total EU consumption. The Green's food and environment spokesperson, Belgian MEP Bart Staes said, “with EU countries importing honey from GM producing countries, honey contaminated with GM pollen may increasingly be available on our shop shelves and consumers must be informed.”
It is now hoped that the Environment Committee's opinion will be backed by the whole European Parliament in next February's plenary. This would put the EU on the right track towards strengthening its ‘co-existence’ rules, to provide greater protection for non-GM food and crops.
Fortunately, the majority of MEPs - including Greens in the committee - voted against the proposal, helping EU consumers remain informed about their food choices.
This is also good news for bees and their keepers. Many GM crops contain insecticides which harm bees, but beekeepers can’t always ensure that their hives are unaffected. There is a strong need for the EU to highlight awareness of GM contamination, and support those farmers who wish to continue producing quality, GM-free honey.
Clear labelling is not just for EU-produced honey - it also applies to imported honey, which currently makes up 40% of our total EU consumption. The Green's food and environment spokesperson, Belgian MEP Bart Staes said, “with EU countries importing honey from GM producing countries, honey contaminated with GM pollen may increasingly be available on our shop shelves and consumers must be informed.”
It is now hoped that the Environment Committee's opinion will be backed by the whole European Parliament in next February's plenary. This would put the EU on the right track towards strengthening its ‘co-existence’ rules, to provide greater protection for non-GM food and crops.
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