We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Rooker defends FSA stance on organic food
JEFF Rooker, the new chairman of the Food Standards Agency, has defended the agency’s stance on the health and nutritional benefits of organic foods.
Two FSA-commissioned reports published in July concluded there were ‘no important differences in the nutrition content, or any additional health benefits’ of organic food versus conventionally produced food.
The reports, based on analysis of evidence put produced over the last 50 years, infuriated the organic movement. The Soil Association condemned the reports’ ‘shortcomings’ and claimed they ignored relevant current research on the subject.
But speaking at a Labour Party fringe event Lord Rooker, who took up his new post in July, insisted the FSA’s views on organic food were based on the facts in front of it.,
“It is quite simple and straightforward,” the former MAFF and Defra Minister said.
“The FSA reviewed the material of the last 50 years on the basis of health and nutritional claims of organic production as opposed to conventional production and did not find any evidence of health and nutritional benefits.
“It is controversial. Some people like some of our views and others don’t, but that’s the reality. The FSA is open and transparent and the research was published and peer reviewed.
“We are not saying one is better than the other but if people make health claims they have to follow the rules for a health product.”
He acknowledged, however, that the issue will ‘never close’, highlighting recent ‘trenchant remarks’ on the subject made by Soil Association policy director Peter Melchett.
Lord Rooker also reiterated his views on GM technology, in light of the recent announcement that the Government has asked the FSA to lead a second GM debate over the next 12 months.
He criticised biotech companies for their continued failure to produce GM crops that benefit consumers rather than producers. Until these products arrive, there will ‘always be a problem explaining GM crops’, he said.
He pointed out that the public accepts GM technology in medicines, but not food, and that GM tomato paste was common on supermarkets shelves over 10 years ago until the ‘GM scare based on inadequate science’ brought a halt to sales.
“There needs to be a proper debate and we will be coming across the country without any pre-conceived ideas to take a lead on this,” he said.
