The debate about the appropriateness of cloned animals for food purposes began a few years ago when cloned embryos were imported into the EU. According to current EU regulations, food produced from clones is considered novel food since it is not produced via traditional breeding techniques and, therefore, falls under the scope of the Regulation on Novel Foods, which is now under discussion at EU level.
The report is a response to calls from European Parliament and MemberStates to launch a specific EU policy on this sensitive issue. The communication presents an assessment of cloning technology in relation to food production and examines the relevant aspects of cloning in light of the existing legislative framework.