EU GM decision postponed

The European Union postponed a decision today that could mark the end of a five-year ban on new biotech products.

Spokeswoman Beate Gminder said in Brussels a panel of national experts needed more time to study the proposal to authorise the sale in the EU of canned sweet corn grown from genetically modified seeds.

She said a vote was now expected in the week starting December 8.

Even if approved in December, the corn will not go on sale in Europe before April when new EU-wide legislation allowing biotech foods under strict labelling rules comes into force.

EU countries are divided over genetically modified food. Britain, Spain and the Netherlands want the EU ban lifted but others, led by France, Italy and Austria, are less enthusiastic.

If a clear majority cannot be found at the December experts meeting, the decision to enact the bill goes to EU governments.

Environmental campaigners Greenpeace urged the EU to keep the ban on genetically modified food.

“There is no benefit from GM tinned sweet corn, only environmental and health concerns, so it is not a one month delay that is required but a rejection of this authorisation,” said Eric Gall, adviser at Greenpeace’s European Unit.