On Tuesday 8 October, the European Commission authorised two new genetically modified crops – maize and cotton – and renewed the authorisation of two genetically modified maize crops for food and feed use.
The Commission’s decisions only authorise the import of these GM crops for use in food and feed, but not their cultivation in the EU.
These crops have undergone a complete and rigorous assessment procedure, which guarantees a high level of protection for human and animal health and the environment, the Commission points out. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a favourable scientific assessment, concluding that these genetically modified crops are as safe as their conventional counterparts.
The products concerned are maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 (https://aeur.eu/f/drd ), maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603 (https://aeur.eu/f/dre ), maize DP202216 (https://aeur.eu/f/drf ) and cotton COT102 (https://aeur.eu/f/drc ).
Authorisations and renewals are valid for 10 years, and any products derived from these genetically modified crops will be subject to strict EU rules on labelling and traceability.
The Commission was legally obliged to take a decision on these authorisations after the Member States had failed to reach a qualified majority in favour or against the authorisation within the Standing Committee and the subsequent Appeal Committee. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)