Agriculture EU approves further genetically engineered varieties of cotton and maize

The EU approves two further varieties of genetically modified plants. The EU Commission has announced that certain maize and cotton crops will be approved as food and feed in the future.

In addition, the approval of two already approved maize varieties has been extended. With this step, the Commission is only allowing the import of these genetically modified maize and cotton crops into the EU - cultivation in the Union is excluded.

Authorizations and extended authorizations for genetically modified plants are valid for a period of ten years. Products derived from these crops are subject to strict EU regulations on labeling and traceability.

Extensive testing procedure

According to the Commission, the crops in question have undergone an extensive assessment procedure, which ensures a high level of protection for human and animal health as well as for the environment. In its positive scientific assessment, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) stated that the genetically modified crops are just as safe as their conventional counterparts.

Since neither the member states nor the Standing Committee of Appeal were able to decide for or against the approval of the genetically modified plants, the Commission was now legally obliged to make a decision.

The aim of genetically modified crops is to give farmers access to more resistant plants that require fewer pesticides, for example. Food safety could also be improved. For example, genetically modified plants could cope better with drought. However, critics from environmental organizations and representatives of organic food stores warn of possible as yet unknown dangers.

SDA