II. DRAFT COMMON POSITION

1. As with any technological application, we are a priori neither for nor against any kind of "progress". It should however be accompanied by rules safeguarding consumer rights.

2. Used properly and with proper controls, the application of biotechnology to the food-processing industry may possibly present some advantages. Nevertheless, we feel that it can only be accepted and applied if scientific evidence establishes that it contributes substantial and measurable benefits in terms of product quality, positive impact on the environment, and economic effects.

3. Truly independent experts must manage the procedures for, and processing of applications for approval. No approval may be comprehensive; each case must be subject to a specific analysis. Where there is reasonable, realistic and reasoned doubt, as a principle, precaution should be exercised.

4. The control and the systematic follow-up of any such possible authorisations must also be assured by competent, independent scientific authorities, working in a completely transparent manner.

5. Management by public authorities, (approval and control), must extend beyond merely the national level, and must be subject to joint and harmonised decisions at European and international level.

6. A (European level) structure for bio vigilance must be put in place. This must continuously follow up and evaluate any possible spreading of GMOs into the environment, and the possible effects for the health of humans, animals and the environment.

7. Management of this matter should not merely concern itself with foodstuffs intended for human consumption, it should also cover seeds, ingredients and foodstuffs intended for animals.

8. Responsibility for any possible future damage, unforeseeable at the time of approval, must lie solely with producers and this without any time limit.

9. The consumer must have at his/her disposal useful information guaranteeing his/her freedom of choice, and allowing him/her to take decisions justifiable to him/herself, in full knowledge of the facts.

10. Transparent labelling, which is useable and verifiable, is an essential condition for any possible approval.

11. Although we are aware that zero tolerance for the labelling of GMOs is currently difficult to apply in practice, this reality demonstrates the lack of any obvious control over the follow-up of this technology. Producers and public authorities must ensure complete tracability from one end to the other of the food chain, raw materials etc., whether contained in or resulting from GMOs.

12. Every measurable modification of the (nutritional, etc.) composition of a foodstuff, resulting from the use of GMOs must be clearly mentioned in the labelling.

13. We oppose any labelling containing dubious phrases such as "may contain GMOs". We are likewise opposed to the phrase "GM free".