EFA MEP backs ban on cloned animals in food
Press release from EFA MEP Jill Evans (Plaid Cymru)
The European Parliament has today approved a draft EU law which would ban cloning farm animals and food derived from them and their descendants, including imports.
The ban was supported by Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans who voted in favour of the legislation.
Although no cloning for food production currently takes place in Europe, technological and scientific advances mean that the possibility of cloned animals being used in commercial farming has arisen. So far there has been no law covering this possibility.
As well as the moral and ethical concerns about cloning, serious concerns have been raised about food safety, genetic diversity and animal welfare.
Speaking after MEPs voted in Strasbourg in favour of the ban, Jill Evans MEP said:
"There is huge public opposition to cloning in Wales and may constituents have contacted me on this issue.
"Cloning has no advantage for consumers, no beneficial impact on food safety or security. I am pleased that we have acted to ensure that food from cloned animals or their descendants does not enter the food chain.
"This is a moral, ethical and food safety issue and very important for animal welfare.
"Today's vote to ban cloned animals is good news for consumers and also for our farming industry in Wales which prides itself on the highest quality produce."
