03.03.10
European Commission changes GMO policy: Amflora potato and GM maize approved
Brussels – The European Commission yesterday changed its GMO policy, with the approval of BASF’s GM potato Amflora for commercial cultivation in the EU and authorisation for the import of 4 genetically engineered maize strains (more). Amflora produces starch that does not contain amylose but only amylopektin, making it suitable for industrial purposes. On the same day, Health Commissioner John Dalli announced that the Commission intends to design rules by summer 2010 that allow member states to independently decide whether they will cultivate GM crops but uses a central European authorisation process for GMOs. „All scientific issues, particularly those concering safety, have been fully addressed“, said Dalli. Any delay would have simply been unjustified.“ Industry welcomed the move as a strong signal supporting agribiotech.