To protect public health and the environment, the European Parliament voted by a significant majority (433 votes to 216, with 31 abstentions) in Strasbourg on Wednesday 13 September to oppose the Commission proposal to allow the import into the EU of a transgenic soybean and products containing this variety of soybean for use in food and feed.
The soybean in question is the Dow chemicals group’s DAS-68416-4, which is resistant to herbicide 2,4 D (D for Dichlorophenol) and to Glufosinate ammonium. The proposal to allow import followed on from a positive opinion by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Member state experts failed to reach a qualified majority decision in June (see EUROPE 11832).
MEPs highlighted concerns about the active ingredient of 2,4-Dichlorophenol with regard to embryo development, birth defects and endocrine disruption, with this soybean being incorporated into many products, including some infant formulas. These potential risks had been flagged up by a scientific study carried out by independent researchers and the member states had voiced concern, noting gaps in the EFSA risk assessment, MEPs noted. Glufosinate ammonium is classified in the EU as toxic for reproduction, they state.
Parliament argued, further, that authorising the import of this soybean would encourage the use of the herbicide across the globe. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)