Google – AFP, 22 January 2013
Genetically
modified corn cobs are seen at a field, west of Cairo, on
September 21, 2008
(AFP/File, Khaled Desouki)
|
BRUSSELS —
The European Commission has decided to freeze the approval process for
genetically modified food crops through the end of its mandate next year while
it works towards an agreement with EU member states.
"The
Commission, if it wants, could launch a procedure to authorise the farming of
one GM soya and six corn strains... but it won't do so," said Frederic
Vincent, a spokesman for Health Commissioner Tonio Borg.
"The
authorisations for farming are frozen," he added.
Vincent
said the priority of Borg, who only recently took up the post of health
commissioner, was to relaunch discussions with member states.
The
Commission's approval of GM crops has poisoned relations with a number of the
27 EU members.
Eight
countries -- Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Luxembourg
and Poland -- have adopted provisions that allow them to block the cultivation
of GM crops on their territory.
European
Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso has not forced the countries to lift their
safeguards.
In 14
years, the EU has approved the cultivation of just two types of genetically altered
food crops for humans, the Amflora potato developed by German group BASF and
MON810 maize developed by global seeds giant Monsanto.
The Amflora
potato was a commercial flop, while the renewal of the authorisation of MON810
has been dragging along since 2007.
Vincent
said renewal of MON810 was being held up by the Commission's freeze.
However the
MON810 can continue to be cultivated in states which allow it until the
Commission takes a decision.
Some 50
different genetically modified crops for animal consumption have been approved
for use in the EU.
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