April 22, 1998. Copyright, 1998, Graphic News. All rights reserved

EUROPE CONSIDERS THORNY ISSUE OF MODIFIED PLANTS
By Oliver Burkeman

LONDON, April 22, Graphic News: EUROPEAN Union proposals to tighten the laws governing the production and labelling of genetically modified plants and crops will be debated by policymakers, scientists and retailers in Brussels next week. The plans, developed by the European Commission, would fix EU approval for modified products at seven years, during which time they would be monitored, and after which the license could be renewed or withdrawn. They would also crack down on manufacturers who fail to label modified goods clearly.

An estimated 60 percent of all foodstuffs contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) Ð largely because of the prevalence of modified soya flour.

Advocates of GMOs stress their role in increasing yields and improving the taste and appearance of crops, especially vegetables, but critics have voiced fears that they may contribute to ill health among consumers and spawn uncontrollable ÔsuperweedsÕ.

Current EU regulations on the licensing of modified material remains weak, prompting some member states, including Austria, to implement unilateral bans on EU-approved products, including Novartis SeedsÕ BT Maize, and Round Up Ready soybeans, developed by Monsanto.

The conference, in Brussels on April 29 and 30 and organised by the agricultural monitoring agency Agra Europe, will bring both sides together to examine the EUÕs plans, which are currently at first reading stage at the European Parliament. Before they can become European law they must return to the Commission and then to the Parliament again.
/ENDS
Sources: Agra Europe (+44 1892 511807), European Commission (+44 171 973 1992)