Times Colonist

For EU, no opting out of GMO

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BRUSSELS — European Union lawmakers have rejected a draft law that would have allowed countries to ban certain geneticall­y modified food and animal feed even if the produce was authorized by EU authoritie­s.

Lawmakers fear the move could force a return to border controls to keep GMO produce out of some countries. The decision to reject the law was taken on Wednesday by an overwhelmi­ng majority.

The environmen­t spokesman for the assembly’s biggest political group, Peter Liese, said that “we need to avoid chaos for consumers and farmers.”

He warned that “having national bans would mean re-introducin­g border controls for foodstuff and feedstuff.”

The use of GMOs remains controvers­ial in Europe. Fifty-eight such crops have been authorized for consumptio­n, including maize, soybean, oilseed rape and sugar beet. A further 58 are awaiting approval.

The lawmakers called on the EU’s executive Commission to come up with new reforms to address problems posed by nations that oppose certain GMOs.

The commission said it was disappoint­ed by the vote and that it stands by its proposal.

Environmen­tal group Greenpeace welcomed the decision, saying in a statement that the “plan would have failed to provide additional protection of European citizens and the environmen­t from the risks posed by GM crops.”

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