On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 12:07 PM, Bil Harley <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > > I have not heard the information Juanse Barros J gave , “Most probably EU > will change the definition of honey to suppress the problem with GMO pollen > "contamination", > > However, a solution to this problem which is being considered is to double > the present distance between apiaries and GMO crops. > can you provide a source for this second statement of "double present distance" ? here is my source for my statement. http://www.apinews.com/en/news/item/17095-eec-possible-solution-for-the-gmo-mouse-trap Commission eyes solution to GM dilemma for honey: The EU’s executive is considering tweaking current legislation to classify pollen as a natural constituent in honey rather than an ingredient to overcome a problem thrown up by a European Court of Justice ruling on honey containing pollen from Genetically Modified (GM) maize. The ruling on Sept 6, stating that honey containing traces of pollen from GM crops cannot be marketed in the EU without prior authorisation, has raised major concerns for import-dependent EU countries. The EU relies on sources from 3rd countries where GM crops are prevalent such as Argentina as well as from key producers such as Spain & Romania where GM MON810 maize is cultivated . Monsanto’s GM maize MON810 was given the green light for a list of food purposes inc. maize flour, gluten & glucose but never for pollen as a foodstuff. DG SANCO services are eyeing changes to the EU’s directive on honey that would clarify pollen’s status as a constituent & not an ingredient in honey, thus avoiding lengthy & complicated authorisation procedures. By classifying pollen as a constituent, testing on the whole product would have to prove that the level of GM material exceeds the EU’s 0.9% tolerance threshold before a GMO label would be required. But imported honey containing GM material non-authorised in the EU would have to be banned. Technical proposals of this nature would seek to reassure operators working in the honey sector & ensure a workable solution without disruption to current rules, according to DG SANCO officials. Such a proposal could be drawn up “rapidly”, they said. Juanse Barros J. APIZUR S.A. Carrera 695 Gorbea - CHILE +56-45-271693 08-3613310 http://apiaraucania.blogspot.com/ [log in to unmask] *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm