Today, the Commission authorised one genetically modified maize for use in food and animal feed, following the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) scientific assessment concluding it is as safe as its conventional counterpart.
This maize has gone through a comprehensive and stringent assessment procedure, which ensures a high level of protection of human and animal health, and of the environment. The Commission decision only allows this genetically modified maize to be imported for use in food and animal feed, but not to be cultivated in the EU.
The authorisation is valid for 10 years, and any product produced from this genetically modified maize will be subject to the EU’s strict labelling and traceability rules. The Commission had a legal obligation to decide on this authorisation after Member States did not reach a qualified majority either in favour or against the authorisation.
