June 25, 2008

Austria to lift ban on GM corn import and processing

Austria has lifted a ban on the import and processing of genetically modified corn in compliance with EU's efforts to uphold a World Trade Organization ruling on biotech foods, the EU said Tuesday (June 24, 2008).

Austria has been one of EU's most resistant members to allow GM corn.

In November 2006, the WTO concluded that the EU had breached commitments from 1998-2004 with respect to 21 products, including types of oilseed, corn and cotton.

It pointed out that individual bans in Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Luxembourg were illegal, while sidestepping examinations of current EU legislation and whether GM foods are actually safe.

The US said Tuesday that biotechnology could help offset some of the problems incurred by higher prices for food staples.

Meanwhile, Argentina and Canada said they were extending until August 12 a deadline for EU compliance with the WTO ruling.