September 20, 2016
 

EC approves 11 GM corn varieties for feed, food uses

The European Commission has authorised the sale of several products containing, consisting of or produced from various genetically modified corn for food and feed purposes.

The new 11 genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, had gone through a comprehensive authorisation procedure including a favourable scientific assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the EC said.

The GMOs approved on Sept. 16 had received "no opinion" vote from the EU member states in both the standing and appeal committees, and the Commission decided to adopt this pending decision.

The EC said the authorisations—which do not cover cultivation--are valid for 10 years and that any product produced from these GMOs will be subject to the EU's strict labelling and traceability rules.

In November 2015, the European Parliament rejected a draft law that would enable any EU member state to restrict or prohibit the sale and use of EU-approved GM food or feed on its territory.