Est. 1min 20-07-2004 (updated: 05-11-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Monsanto’s maize variety NK 603 can now be imported into the EU to be used in animal feed. The Council, however, has postponed the vote on the maize’s use for human consumption. Read more with Euractiv EU sugar regime overhaul: too radical for some, too weak for othersThe Commission's attempt at finding a balanced solution to the overhaul of the EU's heavily-criticised sugar regime came under attack from manufacturers, consumers and NGOs alike. Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters BackgroundThe Commission has authorised the import of a GM maize variety from Monsanto for use in animal feed. The decision comes only a few weeks after EU environment ministers failed to reach the necessary qualified majority to either adopt or reject the Commission's proposal to authorise the import and processing of the genetically modified maize NK 603 (see EURACTIV 29 June 2004). As a result of the vote, the dossier was referred back to the the Commission to take a final decision. Under the same comitology procedure, the Commission recently ended the EU's six year 'de facto' moratorium with the approval of the GM sweetcorn variety Bt-11 (see EURACTIV 19 May 2004). Some 24 other applications for GM products have been received by the Commission, and they are currently waiting to go through the authorisation procedure. "The NK603 maize has been subject to a rigorous pre-market risk assessment. [..] Its safety is, therefore, not in question, and neither is the question of user or consumer choice. Clear labelling provides farmers and consumers with the information they need to decide whether to buy the product or not," said Commissioner for the Environment Margot Wallström. The GM maize, which has been modified to increase its tolerance to a herbicide, can now be imported into the EU with immediate effect. If so, it would have to be clearly labelled as containing GMOs to comply with the EU's new legislation. The maize would then be used as any other maize except that it could not be cultivated. In a separate development, the Agriculture Council on 19 July 2004 failed to reach an agreement on the question of whether NK 603 should be authorised to be used in food for human consumption. A vote on the issue was postponed.
