Maize variety GMOs for EU Clearance
Four genetically modified products are closer to being cleared for use in the European Union. This comes after biotech experts from across the 27-nation bloc reached a stalemate over whether to approve the products.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, made a proposition to
authorise three new GMO maize varieties, which includes a modified potato. The
proposal comes after food safety experts found that the products posed no threat
to human or animal health or to the environment.
authorise three new GMO maize varieties, which includes a modified potato. The
proposal comes after food safety experts found that the products posed no threat
to human or animal health or to the environment.
However, there has been suspicion of GMOs among a key number of EU
member governments, which has led to political deadlock. It could mean the final
decision over the approval will eventually find its way back to the
commission.
member governments, which has led to political deadlock. It could mean the final
decision over the approval will eventually find its way back to the
commission.
The three types of maize produced by US biotech firm Monsanto (MON)
have been created through a combination of genetically changed varieties that
have already been approved for use in the EU. The proposal is to permit them for
food and animal feed but not for cultivation.
have been created through a combination of genetically changed varieties that
have already been approved for use in the EU. The proposal is to permit them for
food and animal feed but not for cultivation.
The high starch potato, produced by Germany’s BASF AG (BAS.XE), would
be used mainly for industrial starch production with by-products from the
process used in animal feed.
be used mainly for industrial starch production with by-products from the
process used in animal feed.
EU agriculture ministers now have three months to try to reach common
ground, after which the products will go back to the commission for
adoption.
ground, after which the products will go back to the commission for
adoption.
