The T45 oilseed rape has been genetically modified to make it resistant to a herbicide known as 'Liberty'. This herbicide's active ingredient, glufosinate ammonium, was identified only last week as one of 22 substances that will be phased out in the EU because of the serious health and environmental risks it poses.[1] Independent scientific studies have shown that traces of glufosinate ammonium are found in oilseed rape treated with the Liberty herbicide. The authorisation of this GM product would present an unacceptable risk for European citizens and is a flagrant case of scientific inconsistency on the part of the Commission.
"It's astonishing that the EU can ban a pesticide for the dangerous effects it can have on our health and then only a few days later encourage the use of this same product in conjunction with a GM crop," said Marco Contiero, Greenpeace EU GMO policy director.
The GM carnation is modified to acquire an artificial blue colour. The same result could be achieved by simply placing the flowers in naturally coloured water. Genetic engineering can give rise to unexpected and unpredictable effects in plants. Greenpeace calls for a moratorium on all GM crops grown outdoors.
"The use of genetic engineering for a purpose as trivial as the colouring of a flower demonstrates the lax regulation for GM crops and the urgent need for reform," said Contiero.
Today's authorisations show that:
- when it comes to allowing imports of GM food or feed, the Commission has little concern about the safety of GM products. EFSA has itself recognised that it is unable to adequately assess the long-term environmental impact of GM products;[2]
- the Commission keeps ignoring the opinions of member states. It persists in hiding behind EFSA's invariably positive opinions on GM products, despite a majority of member states consistently opposing authorisation in the Council, but falling short of a qualified majority;
- the Commission ignores the substantial majority of European citizens who are opposed to GMOs (58%, according to the EU's Eurobarometer of 2008).
Instead of giving in to US and agro-biotech industry pressure, the Commission should protect EU consumers, European agriculture and the environment from risky GM products.
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:
[1] These 22 substances can cause cancer or harm the reproductive systems. Greenpeace press release on: http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/press-releases2/pesticides-law-13-01-09
[2] EFSA agreed on a new mandate from DG Environment on 2 April 2008. By signing this mandate EFSA committed to come up, within 24 months, with methods to assess long term environmental impacts of GMOs, as required under EU law. See also: http://registerofquestions.efsa.europa.eu/roqFrontend/questionDetailsRO.jsf