Biotech Updates

Documented Delays in EU Approval of GM Products

February 17, 2012

EuropaBio has released a document on Undue Delays in the EU Approval of Safe GM Products. It contains a list of product applications in the decision making phase of the EU approval process. Results show that there is inconsistency between legally prescribed timelines and the administrative practice. 

The document cites the example of 1507 maize for cultivation that had an EFSA approval in 2005 and is still waiting for the Commission  to schedule a vote in the Appeal Committee despite a maximum two months processing time. It had already been delayed  earlier when it took 1452 days for the Commission to schedule a vote at the committee level (maximum days set at 3 months).

Download a copy of the document at http://www.europabio.org/sites/default/files/position/gm_approvals_status_february_2012.pdf