Press Release: More freedom for Member States to decide on the GMOs use for food & feed

On 22 April 2015, the European Commission presented the outcome of its review of the decision-making process for the authorisation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) as food and feed.

The review confirms the need for changes that reflect public views and allow national governments to have a greater say on the use of EU-authorised GMOs for animal (feed) or human (food) consumption.

As a result of this review, the Commission proposed to amend the legislation to confer upon Member States more freedom to restrict, or prohibit the use of EU-authorised GMOs in food or feed on their territory. This would complement the rights already given to Member States in respect of GMOs for cultivation by Directive (EU) 2015/412 that entered into force in April 2015.

Michael Froman, US chief negotiator in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) talks with the EU, was disappointed that the Commission had decided to let member states have 'opt-outs' on imports. [Click here for more information on GMOs and TTIP).

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Communication: RAPID: MEMO/15/4778, 22.04.15: Questions and Answers on EU's policies on GMOs http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-15-4778_en.htm

European Commission: DG Communication: RAPID: MEMO/15/4779, 22.04.15: Review of the decision-making process on GMOs in the EU: Questions and Answers http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-15-4779_en.htm

EurActiv, 09.04.15: Commission prepares minimal reform of GMO imports http://www.euractiv.com/sections/health-consumers/commission-prepares-minimal-reform-gmo-imports-313632

EUObserver, 14.04.15: EU to give countries greater powers on GM food https://euobserver.com/news/128315

EurActiv, 16.04.15: European Commission clarifies new GMO import rules http://www.euractiv.com/sections/science-policymaking/commission-clarifies-new-gmo-import-rules-313819

Politico, 22.04.15: A GMO pitch everyone hates http://www.politico.eu/article/commission-gmo-pitch-slammed/

EurActiv, 22.04.15: EU proposal on GMO food critisised by Greenpeace, industry http://www.euractiv.com/sections/agriculture-food/eu-proposal-gmos-critisised-greenpeace-industry-313994

EUObserver, 22.04.15: EU plans to return power on GMOs to states, but 'tools lacking' https://euobserver.com/environment/128418

EUObserver, 22.04.15: Did green groups learn anti-GMO tactics from climate sceptics? https://euobserver.com/environment/128410

EurActiv, 23.04.15: US trade negotiator 'very disappointed' at European GM food ban http://www.euractiv.com/sections/agriculture-food/us-trade-negotiator-concerned-over-european-gmo-ban-314006

Wales: NAW: Research Service: In Brief, 27.04.15: Draft proposals on genetically modified food and feed: improving democratic choice in the authorisation process? https://assemblyinbrief.wordpress.com/2015/04/27/draft-proposals-on-genetically-modified-food-and-feed-improving-democratic-choice-in-the-authorisation-process/

EUObserver, 09.06.15: EU states prefer to 'blame Brussels' on GMOs https://euobserver.com/environment/129033

EUObserver, 15.06.15: Dutch parliament to complain about new GM rules https://euobserver.com/environment/129119

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