March 9, 2007

EU likely to approve Bayer GM rapeseed strain

Genetically modified rapeseed made by German chemicals company Bayer AG is likely to win European Commission approval, a commission official said Thursday (Mar 8).

The European Food Safety Authority previously gave Bayer's rapeseed strains a "favourable" review.

Genetically-modified crops are a contentious topic in Europe. Opponents say they pose unknown risks to human health and crop diversity.

The commission lifted a six-year unofficial ban on genetically modified products in 2004. Since then, it has approved a range of genetically modified crop seeds.