October 12, 2007

Monsanto's corn and BASF's potato await clearance from the EU

EU agriculture ministers are going to decide if four genetically modified products would be cleared for consumption in the region.

Biotech experts from across the 27-nation bloc reached a stalemate over whether to approve the products.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, has proposed to authorise three new GM corn varieties, which includes a modified potato. The proposal comes after food safety experts found that the products posed no threat to human or animal health or to the environment.

However, key EU members remained doubtful of GMOs, which has led to political deadlock.

The three types of corn produced by US biotech firm Monsanto were created through a combination of genetically changed varieties that have already been approved for use in the EU.

Monsanto is applying to permit them for food and animal feed but not for cultivation.

The fourth product, BASF's high starch potato, would be used mainly for industrial starch production. However, BASF is applying for approval in case its by-products are used for animal feed.

EU agriculture ministers now have three months to try to reacha consensus, after which the decision would rest with the commission.