Biotech Updates

EFSA Rejects French Ban on GM Maize

May 25, 2012

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) rejected the attempt of France to ban the genetically engineered variety of maize (MON810) developed by Monsanto. EFSA explained that they came to that decision because the French authorities failed to submit science-based evidence that would prove that the GM crop could cause harm to human or animal health or to the environment.

The French authorities requested the European Commission on 20 February 2012 to suspend the commercial approval of the insect resistant maize. On 16 April 2012, the Commission requested the EFSA GMO Panel to assess the documents submitted by the French authorities. EFSA released their scientific opinion that the GM maize does not pose any risk which was published in EFSA Journal on 21 May 2012. According to EFSA, the European Commision will decide if banning the GM crop is justified.

Read EFSA's scientific opinion at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2705.htm/.