Commission Midday Express, 12 December 2011
Two proposals to authorise genetically modified (GM) soybean products were not endorsed today by Member States during a meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).They will be examined by the appeal committee set up by Regulation (EC) No. 182/2011 .
The Commission proposals concern the authorisation of two GM soybean products, MON 87701 and 356043. Both are for food and feed uses, not cultivation. The Commission tabled the proposals following applications submitted by Monsanto Europe S.A. (MON 87701) and by Pioneer Overseas Corporation (356043) and favourable scientific assessments from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which addressed all safety concerns. EFSA concluded in both opinions that these soybeans are as safe as their non-genetically modified counterparts with respect to potential effects on human and animal health or the environment. EFSA also addressed the questions raised by Member States before delivering its scientific opinions.
For more information, please visit: http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biotechnology/index_en.htm