French want Monsanto GMO maize ban over cancer concerns

France will seek an immediate EU ban on imports of a genetically-modified maize made by Monsanto, if a study linking it to cancer in rats is deemed credible, said Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault last week.

The EU imports about 30 million tonnes of GMO animal feed each year, including NK603 since 2004.

Scientists at France’s University of Caen found that rats fed on NK603 or exposed to glyphosate weedkiller which is used with it, also made by Monsanto, developed tumours.