EU expert group backs marketing of 4 genetically modified crops

An EU scientific advisory panel has endorsed the marketing of four genetically-modified crops throughout member-states. The decision by this new expert group is a boost to biotechnology companies planning to introduce such foods to Europe whose efforts have met significant resistance.

A spokesman for Monsanto, which plans to extend its trials on genetically-modified sugar beet in Ireland, welcomed the decision as "a very important endorsement". It should, he said, provide "further confidence to consumers that these products are safe".

The European Commission said yesterday: "There is no evidence that placing on the market of the three modified maizes and the modified oilseed rape would cause adverse effects on human and animal health."

The products are maize varieties made by the US biotechnology company, Monsanto, the Swiss multinational, Novartis, and a German group, AgrEvo, and an oilseed rape variety produced by AgrEvo. They have genes added to make them resistant to herbicides or diseases.

Member-states meeting separately have to endorse the opinion before marketing can be formally authorised. In the event of a qualified majority of member-states backing the proposal, the Commission would be able to proceed with official approval. Should there be significant opposition, it would go before environment ministers.

In the absence of EU-wide legislation, several member-states have adopted unilateral bans on the marketing of food containing genetically-modified organisms. The EU is to reconsider a unilaterally-imposed ban on imports of genetically-modified maize in Austria and Luxembourg in April.

The companies submitted that the GMO process made it possible to produce more food more cheaply. They said the crops gave a greater yield using less land, water and pesticide.

Opponents, including Genetic Concern in Ireland, are worried that plants adapted to be resistant to antibiotics could pass on that resistance. They also fear the plants could swamp natural varieties, eventually leading to their extinction, a claim denied by biotechnology companies.