Press release - June 4, 2010
Brussels, International — Reuters today published revelations from several European Commission sources confirming its plan to ease the GM authorisation process.
A passerby in front of a Greenpeace banner reading "Keep our food safe! Stop GMOs" during an action in front of the Council against GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
Commenting on the proposed changes, Greenpeace EU policy director for sustainable agriculture, Marco Contiero said: "It is right that countries and regions that are aware of the dangers of GM crops have the right to ban them. But this proposal should not be used by the Commission to water down the GM authorisation process. The fact that GM crops inevitably cause cross contamination means that a stronger safety and authorisation process is even more needed. The Commission must not walk away from its duty to check the long term impacts of GM crops on health and the environment."