Biotech Updates

EU Experts Fail to Agree on GM Maize, Again

February 27, 2009

European Union experts failed yet again to reach a consensus on whether to allow two genetically modified maize varieties to be grown in European fields. The applications for Syngenta's Bt 11 and Dow AgroSciences' 1507 maize will now be forwarded to the EU Council of Ministers for further scrutiny. If the Ministers fail to reach a decision, as in numerous previous cases, the application will return to the Commission.

Both GM maize varieties have been approved by the EU for import and processing for feed or food use. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that BT 11 and maize 1507 pose no risk to human and animal health as well as the environment. Syngenta's insect-resistant maize has been cultivated in countries such as Brazil, the Philippines, Argentina and South Africa for more than a decade.

Six EU experts voted in favor of the GM maize varieties, 12 voted against and 9 abstained or were absent.

Next week, the EU Council of Environment Ministers will vote on whether to still allow the cultivation of MON810, the only genetically modified crop approved for planting in the European Union.

For more information, read http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v457/n7233/full/4571057b.html