EU ministers fail to approve 5 GM crops, commission likely to do so
LEIGH PHILLIPS
19.02.2008 @ 09:08 CET
EU agriculture ministers failed to give the green light to imports of five new strains of genetically modified maize and potato on Monday (18 February).
Splits amongst the farm ministers mean that it is now the responsibility of the European Commission to take a decision on the biotech products.
The commission is likely to give its approval within weeks to genetically modified maize developed by US firm Monsanto (Photo: Monsanto)
"There was no qualified majority either for or against any of the proposals on GMOs," said one official, according to Reuters.
The commission is likely however to give its approval and within weeks, as the European Food Safety Agency has said the five items are safe.
The ministers considered four strains of insect-resistant genetically modified maize developed by US firm Monsanto, and a GM potato that produces high levels of starch produced by German chemical firm BASF. The potato is intended for industrial purposes, but has animal feed applications as well.
None of the strains considered were to be grown on European farms, but rather to be used in food and feed and by industry.