The failure of food experts representing EU member-states to agree rules on the labelling of genetically modified foods has allowed such products to come on to European markets without being labelled, and against the wishes of most European consumers, the Green Party has claimed, writes Kevin O'Sullivan.
Agreement was due to be reached by yesterday on rules interpreting the legislation on the labelling of foods under Directive 90/220. As there was no agreement among national food experts meeting on January 16th last, proposals will go back to the European Commission which sent them to the expert group.
Green MEP Ms Nuala Ahern said: "In the meantime, this legislative `merry-go-round' means European consumers are at the whim of genetic companies who want to keep consumers in the dark as much as possible."