December 21, 2007

GM potato and corn may likely get nod from EU

The European Commission has already submitted to the region's ministers the proposals for the authorisation of four genetically-modified (GM) corn and potato products.

The proposal is to approve GM crops for food and feed use as well as import and processing, but not for cultivation.

The transfer of proposal was the next step for approving GM crops after the failure of the commission's standing committee on the food chain and animal health on October 10 to reach a definitive conclusion on proposed authorisations.

The four GM corn varieties, produced by Monsanto Corporation, are hybrids where combinations of GMOs are already authorised at European level. 

The GM potato 'Amflora' , produced by German chemicals group BASF AG, is genetically modified for a higher starch yield, and would be used primarily for industrial purposes. The by-products from the industrial processes would also be allowed for use for animal feed.

If approved, the authorisation will be valid for ten years and products made from these varieties would need labelling according to EU laws. Ministers have three months to reach a position on these dossiers or they will be sent back to the commission for final adoption.