09/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 4 December, the European Commission authorised the import of genetically modified soybean MON89788, produced by US firm Monsanto, into the EU and its use for processing and food and feed purposes. This move came after the Council failed to come to a qualified majority decision on whether the product, also known as “Roundup Ready 2”, should be placed on the market, following the favourable opinion by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA). EFSA said that the soybean did not represent a risk to human or animal health or to the environment. The authorisation is valid for 10 years. (L.C./transl.rt)