Foodlaw-Reading Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
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Food Law News - EU - 2023

Commission Daily News, 13 October 2023

GMOs - Commission authorises three genetically modified maize varieties as food and animal feed but not for cultivation, and renews the authorisation of another

Today, the Commission authorised three genetically modified maize and renewed the authorisation for another genetically modified maize. The authorisation decisions are only for their use as food or animal feed and do not allow for their cultivation in the EU. These genetically modified maize varieties have gone through a comprehensive and stringent authorisation procedure, which ensures a high level of protection of human and animal health, and of the environment. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a favourable scientific assessment concluding that these genetically modified maize are as safe as their conventional counterparts.

Member States did not reach a qualified majority either in favour or against the authorisation at the Standing Committee and at the subsequent Appeal Committee. The responsibility to adopt the authorisation decision therefore fell to the Commission, in line with the official procedure. The authorisations are valid for 10 years and any product produced from the authorised GM maize will be subject to the EU's strict labelling and traceability rules.