Brussels, 22/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 22 December, the European Commission introduced three regulations allowing three strains of genetically modified corn, MIR604xGA21, Bt11xMIR604 and Bt11xMIR604xGA21, and a decision allowing one strain of genetically modified cotton, 281-24-236/3006-210-23, to be used in the EU for food and feed and also for food processing, but not for farming. In May and June 2010, the products in question were assessed for safety by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) using the full authorisation procedure set out under EU rules. Due to a lack of a qualified majority decision by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Safety last February, and then failure by the EU Council of Ministers to reach a qualified majority decision on 15 December, the European Commission has taken the final decision to authorise the GMOs for 10 years. Any product made from these strains of cotton and corn will be subject to the EU's strict labelling and traceability rules. (EH/transl.fl)