17 November 2010

1 minute read

The Commission will transmit to the Council a proposal to authorise one genetically modified (GM) maize product and a proposal to renew the authorisation of another GM maize product after Member States did not endorse the two proposals yesterday (15 November) during a meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).

The Commission also presented to SCoFCAH the proposal for the authorisation of GM maize MON89034 × MON88017 for food and feed uses and import and processing and the proposal for the renewal of the authorisation of GM maize line 1507 for feed use, import and processing.

The Commission tabled the proposals following two applications submitted by Monsanto Europe SA (MON 89034 × MON 88017) and by Pioneer Overseas Corporation and Dow AgroSciences (maize line 1507) and favourable scientific assessments from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which addressed all safety concerns. EFSA concluded that there is no risk to human and animal health or to the environment. The EFSA opinion also addressed the questions raised by Member States before delivering its scientific opinion.

As a result of yesterday's inconclusive vote, the Commission must now transmit the dossiers to the Council for a decision. If the Council does not reach a position, the proposals will be sent back to the Commission for final adoption.

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