Brussels to debate GM potato for feed
By-products of potatoes are often used as animal feed, but is it allowed to use by-products of genetically altered potatoes? EU experts meet in Brussels this week to debate the issue.
Subject of
discussion is the Amflora potato, introduced to the market by
BASF. The company has submitted an application to the European Commission’s
panel of veterinary health experts to allow use of the by-product from this
potato in animal feed.
Initially Amflora has been
developed for its high starch content. It is not primarily intended for use in
feed.
Obtain feed-use clearance
However BASF is eager
to obtain feed-use clearance from the EU standing committee on the food chain
and animal health in case any GM potato by-product ends up being fed to
animals.
BASF’s earlier
application to permit the cultivation of Amflora in
Europe looks set to be approved by the Commission. In July
EU agriculture ministers could not reach consensus on the approval of the
GM-potato. In such a case the EU Commission
decides.
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