Food Law News - UK - 1999

1 July 1999: GM FOODS - Genetically Modified Food and Producer Liability Bill.

1 July 1999

Genetically Modified Food and Producer Liability Bill.

A Bill has been introduced into the UK Parliament with the stated aim of
“To make further provision with respect to the safety of & liability for the deliberate release or marketing of genetically modified organisms & genetically modified food; to establish a genetically modified organism compensation fund; & for connected purposes.”

It can be viewed at: http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm199899/cmbills/128/1999128.htm

It can be noted that it inlcudes a definition of the “precautionary principle” and states:

“precautionary principle” means that where there is a risk of significant damage to human health or the environment lack of scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for not taking or for postponing measures to avoid or minimise such a risk.

Since it is not a government Bill, it is unlikely that it will progress very far.