Watchdog challenges Italy’s attempt to ban genetically modified maize

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has challenged Italy’s attempts to ban a genetically modified maize product from biotech group Monsanto.

The EFSA’s assessment of the Italian ban on the cultivation of the maize Mon810 and other GM crops followed a European Court of Justice ruling that such a ‘de facto’ ban was illegal.

While GMO cultivation approvals are agreed jointly at the EU level, individual governments can introduce safeguards if they believe that cultivation could present a health or environmental risk. Those moves, however, are always verified by the Commission.