Ministers to authorise GM potato and maize
The European Commission said it has transmitted proposals to ministers for the authorisation of four GM maize and potato products.
This is the next step in procedure following the failure of the commission’s
standing committee on the food chain and animal health – which comprises
officials from all EU member states – to reach a definitive opinion either for
or against the proposed authorisations on Oct 10.
The four GM maize
products, produced by US biotech group Monsanto Corp, are hybrids, produced from
combinations of GMOs already authorised at European level. The proposal is
to authorise them for food and feed use and for import and processing, but not
for cultivation.
The GM potato ‘Amflora’ , produced by German chemicals
group BASF AG, is genetically modified for a higher starch yield, and would be
used primarily for industrial purposes. The by-products from the industrial
processes would also be allowed for use for animal feed.
When approved
the authorisations are valid for 10 years. Products made from these varieties
would need labelling according to EU laws. Ministers have three months to reach
a position on these dossiers or they will be sent back to the commission for
final adoption.
Related news:
Use of GM maize shows positive results
EU’s zero tolerance against GM feed disastrous
US awaits Europe GM approval
Fefac: EU needs GM feed supplies
Related
websites:
BASF
Monsanto
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