Public consultation regarding the use of GMOs

Provisions on the public consultation regarding both the contained use and field trials of GMOs are laid down in the Gene Technology Act. The public consultation regarding the placing on the market of genetically modified products is carried out by the EU Commission for all Member States.

Public consultation regarding the contained use

The Board for Gene Technology can decide that public consultation is necessary on certain matters pertaining to the proposed contained use. So far the Board has not processed notifications of or applications for contained use for which public consultation would have been considered necessary.

Public consultation regarding field trials

The Board for Gene Technology organizes a public consultation regarding each submitted field trial application, with the exception of certain specific cases defined in the Gene Technology Act. The information on a planned field trial and the application documents are published on the Board's website. Summaries of applications are also published on the European Commission's website. The consultation lasts for 30 days, during which the public has the right to state written opinions concerning the application.

Public consultation regarding products

Concerning the product applications pursuant to the Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (GM feed and food) the Finnish Food Authority sees to it that the summaries of the applications drawn up by the applicant and the EFSA opinions are available to the public. The public can comment on the EFSA opinion to the Commission in their mother tongue within 30 days of its completion.

The Commission is responsible for the public consultations regarding product applications pursuant to the Directive 2001/16/EC (such as GM cut flowers).