THIRD WORLD NETWORK BIOSAFETY INFORMATION SERVICE
Dear Friends and Colleagues
European Parliament Passes Resolutions Objecting to GM Maize and Cotton Imports
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) objected to EU Commission plans this May to authorise imports of products made from genetically modified (GM) herbicide-resistant maize and cotton.
A resolution opposing the marketing of products containing maize DAS-40278-9 pointed to concerns raised by independent research about the risks of the herbicide 2,4-D (to which the maize is resistant) relating to embryo development and endocrine disruption. The non-binding resolution was adopted with 435 votes to 216 and 34 abstentions.
Member States had earlier criticised the authorisation procedure during the consultation period before approval, referring to missing or insufficient data, contradictory statements and poor test design. The MEPs called for an overhaul of the EU’s authorisation procedure for genetically modified organisms.
In a separate resolution adopted with 425 votes to 230 and 27 abstentions, MEPs said that imports of products from GM cotton GHB119 should not be authorised, as this would encourage the use of glufosinate ammonium-based herbicides (to which GHB119 is resistant) in the world. Glufosinate is classified as toxic for reproduction.
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CALLS TO HALT GM MAIZE AND COTTON IMPORT
17 May 2017
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20170509IPR73942/calls-to-halt-gm-maize-and-cotton-import
MEPs objected on Wednesday to EU Commission plans to authorise imports of products made from genetically modified maize and cotton which are herbicide-resistant.
- Concerns over harmful herbicide residues
- Overhaul of authorisation procedure by Commission needed
They highlight concerns raised by independent research and member states, and repeat Parliament’s call for an overhaul of the EU’s GMO authorisation procedure.
A resolution opposing the marketing of products containing maize DAS-40278-9 points to concerns raised by independent research about the risks of the 2,4D herbicide, to which the maize is resistant, for embryo development and endocrine disruption.
Member States criticised the authorisation procedure during the three-month consultation period before approval, referring to missing or insufficient data, contradictory statements and poor test design.
The non-binding resolution was adopted with 435 votes to 216 and 34 abstentions.
In a separate resolution, adopted with 425 votes to 230 and 27 abstentions, MEPs say that imports of products from genetically modified cotton GHB119 should not be authorised, as this would encourage the use of glufosinate ammonium-based herbicides (to which GHB119 is resistant) in the world, while glufosinate is classified as toxic for reproduction.
Background
Another EU law that would enable any EU member state to restrict or prohibit the sale and use of EU-approved GMO food or feed on its territory was opposed by Parliament in October 2015. MEPs are concerned that this law might prove unworkable or that it could lead to the reintroduction of border checks between pro- and anti-GMO countries. They called on the Commission to table a new proposal.
Procedure: non-legislative resolution