Decision to allow GMO products to be marketed
The Regulatory Committee, consisting of Member States representatives, which governs the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMO), has voted in favour of four Commission proposals to place such products on the market. The products concerned are: - AgrEvo herbicide tolerant swede rape; - Novartis Bt-Maize, tolerant to glufosinate ammonium; These first two products may only be imported into the EU for processing, and therefore not for cultivation. - AgrEvo herbicide tolerant maize; - Monsanto Bt-Maize; These two products may be used in the EU as any other maize. The Commission had sought independent scientific advice before submitting the proposals to the Regulatory Committee. In light of its favourable opinion, the Commission will shortly adopt the necessary Decisions, and ensure the consent of the responsible competent authorities of the Member States in which first notification of each product took place, to enable these products to be placed on the EU market.