The European Commission has authorized the use of genetically modified maize and renewed the authorization of two genetically modified oilseed rape varieties for food and feed uses. These authorizations follow the EU’s comprehensive and rigorous food safety procedures, which ensure a high level of protection for human and animal health and the environment. They are based on a positive scientific assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which concluded that these crops are as safe as their conventional counterparts.
As the Member States failed to reach a qualified majority (for or against authorization) in the Standing Committee and the subsequent Committee of Appeal, the Commission was legally obliged to take a decision on these products. The Commission’s decisions do not authorize the cultivation in the EU, but only their import from third countries for use as food and feed. The authorizations will be valid for 10 years and all products derived from these crops will be subject to the EU’s strict labeling and traceability rules.