Commission's calls for authorisation of controversial GM maizes

Marco Contiero, Greenpeace EU GMO policy director, said: "Only last December EU ministers called for a fundamental review of the GMO risk assessment process, but the Commission has today decided to put out the trash and rush these two GM maizes through before any improvements are put in place."

"The Commission is once again rubbishing scientific proof of the dangers associated with GM crops and ignoring the public's overwhelming opposition to genetic engineering."

"EU ministers specifically underlined the right for member states to set up GMO-free areas, but the Commission is trying to by-pass European governments and impose its pro-GMO agenda on consumers."

Other contacts:

Marco Contiero – Greenpeace EU GMO policy director: +32 (0)2 274 1906, +32 (0)477 777 034 (mobile),
Mark Breddy – Greenpeace EU communications manager: +32 (0)2 274 1903, +32 (0)496 156 229 (mobile),

Notes:

For more background information on Syngenta’s Bt11 and Pioneer/Dow’s 1507, as well as on existing bans in EU member states, go to:
http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/press-releases2/Shut-down-EFSA-GMO-panel and
http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/press-releases2/eu-food-agency-under-fire

For more information on the December environment Council conclusions, go to:
http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/press-releases2/EU-GMO-authorisation-system