Brussels, 10/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - During their meeting in Brussels on 17 March, EU agriculture ministers are to examine three proposals for the authorisation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The first concerns food and feed containing genetically modified cotton GHB614 (BCS-GH002-5), a GMO manufactured by the Bayer CropScience AG group. The second concerns genetically modified maize MON 89034 x MON 88017 (MON-89034-3xMON-88017-3) from Monsanto Europe, intended for food and feed, importation and processing (see EUROPE 10258). The third proposal concerns renewal of the 10-year authorisation for genetically modified maize 1507 (DAS-01507-1) by Pioneer Overseas Corporation and Dow AgroSciences, to be used for animal feed, imports and processing.
Unless something unexpected and surprising happens, the Agriculture Council should find itself unable to gather the qualified majority required for either acceptance or rejection of these proposals. If this is indeed the case, then the Commission will be empowered to take the decision on its own initiative.
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), we would point out, had estimated that none of the GMOS in question presented a danger for human or animal health, or for the environment. (L.C./transl.jl)