EU split over GM potato
Potatoes
(BRUSSELS) - EU farm ministers failed Monday to reach an agreement on allowing a new genetically modified potato on the market, leaving the decision by default to the European Commission, a diplomat said.
A qualified majority did not emerge in talks in Brussels either to allow or forbid the potato, developed by German chemicals giant BASF, which means that the Commission will decide in several weeks.
The European Union's executive arm is likely to base its decision on an opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which found that it was "improbable" that the potato would harm human or animal health or the environment.
However, some environmental associations have criticised EFSA's findings and have warned that the potato has a gene resistant to certain antibiotics.
Commission spokeswoman for environmental issues Barbara Helfferich said that the potato was only supposed to be used for industrial purposes and would not enter the food chain.
The potato was genetically engineered to produce more starch, which has industrial uses including making paper, glue or textiles.
Text and Picture Copyright 2007 AFP. All other Copyright 2007 EUbusiness Ltd. All rights reserved. This material is intended solely for personal use. Any other reproduction, publication or redistribution of this material without the written agreement of the copyright owner is strictly forbidden and any breach of copyright will be considered actionable.
Webfeed
