October 17, 2023

European Commission gives go-ahead for GM corns' use as animal feed

The European Commission has authorised three genetically modified corn and renewed the authorisation for another genetically modified (GM) corn.

The authorisation decisions are only for their use as food or animal feed and do not allow for their cultivation in the European Union.

These GM corn varieties have gone through a comprehensive and stringent authorisation procedure, which ensures a high level of protection of human and animal health, and the environment.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a favourable scientific assessment concluding that these GM corn are as safe as their conventional counterparts.

EU member states did not reach a qualified majority either in favour or against the authorisation at the Standing Committee and at the subsequent Appeal Committee.

The responsibility to adopt the authorisation decision therefore fell to the European Commission, in line with the official procedure.

The authorisations are valid for 10 years and any product produced from the authorised GM corn will be subject to the EU's strict labelling and traceability rules.

- European Commission