As it does systematically for reasons of public health and environmental protection, the European Parliament on Wednesday 9 March opposed the market authorisation of GMOs for food and feed use in the EU that are tolerant to glyphosate and other herbicides.
The objection to cotton GHB811 (BCS-GH811-4) was adopted (482 votes in favour, 198 against, 14 abstentions). BASF Belgium was the applicant, on behalf of BASF Agricultural Solutions Seed US LLC.
Although human consumption of cottonseed oil is relatively limited in Europe, it is found in sauces, mayonnaise, fine bakery products, spreads, and chocolate chips.
The objection to oilseed rape 73496 (DP-Ø73496-4) from Pioneer Overseas Corporation was adopted (474 votes in favour, 205 against, 15 abstentions). Pioneer Belgium had submitted the application for authorisation.
These objections concern both the GMOs themselves and the products containing them.
MEPs cite, among other things, shortcomings in the risk assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which had given a favourable opinion, and an undemocratic procedure: in the absence of an opinion from the Member States (lack of a qualified majority), the Commission is going ahead, even if its proposals do not receive majority support from the EU27.
Parliament therefore calls on the Commission to withdraw its two draft implementing decisions.
See the texts, for cotton: https://aeur.eu/f/pj and for rapeseed: https://aeur.eu/f/op (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)