Food safety: Commission authorises three genetically modified maize and renews the authorisation of four genetically modified crops for use as food and animal feed only

Today, the Commission authorised three genetically modified maize and renewed the authorisation for four genetically modified crops, three soybeans and one cotton for food and animal feed. The Commission’s authorisation decisions do not allow for their cultivation in the EU, only for their use as food and animal feed.

These genetically modified crops have gone through a comprehensive and stringent authorisation procedure, which ensures a high level of protection of human and animal health, and of the environment. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a favourable scientific assessment concluding that these GMOs are as safe as their conventional counterparts.

Member States did not reach a qualified majority either in favour or against the authorisation at the Standing Committee and at the subsequent Appeal Committee. The authorisations are valid for 10 years, and any product produced from these GMOs will be subject to the EU‘s strict labelling and traceability rules. For more information on GMOs in the EU, see here.