MEPs give priority to safety of GM foods Members of the European Parliament yesterday approved a European Commission proposal designed to update legislation on the latest scientific and technical developments in the biotechnology area involving the use of genetically modified (GM) products. In doing so, they voted f... Members of the European Parliament yesterday approved a European Commission proposal designed to update legislation on the latest scientific and technical developments in the biotechnology area involving the use of genetically modified (GM) products. In doing so, they voted for a number of amendments, including one designed to hold those legally responsible for the production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) liable for any damage to human health or the environment. MEPs also voted for compulsory labelling, by the competent authorities, of all GMOs authorised for release as well as a description of the content of the new product. Another amendment takes up health concerns and stipulates that GMOs must not contain any antibiotic-resistant genes or traces of toxic substances. Other amendments are designed to enforce strict monitoring of GMOs when they are placed on the market. MEPs also voted to limit the consent for the authorisation of new GMOs to 12 years as against the seven years proposed by the Commission.
