Biotech Updates

GMO Approval Needs Overhaul

July 11, 2008

A French proposal to review the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)'s expertise was accepted unanimously. According to European environment commissioner Stavros Dimas, EFSA must strengthen its capacity to evaluate risks and consider the changes in agricultural practices and local geographic conditions. An expert group will be formed to develop ideas that will become the basis of discussion at a later meeting of environment ministers.

The review would not lead to the banning of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Dimas stated that the review would probably result in a greater role for member states with regards to involvement and responsibility in assessing the safety of GMOs.

To read more, visit http://www.epha.org/a/3120.