KE: More flexibility in decision-making on GMOs – Farmer.pl

The Commission 22.04.br. presents the results of the review of the decision-making process for the approval of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for use as food and feed. This review is based on the political guidelines presented to Parliament in July last year, on the basis of which has been selected this Commission.

The review confirms the need to introduce changes that would reflect the opinions of citizens and national governments will increasingly influence decisions on the use of GMOs approved by the EU as products for consumption by animals (feed) or human (food). As a result of this review, the Commission proposes to amend the legislation to ensure that Member States greater freedom to restrict or prohibit the use of EU-approved GMOs in food or feed on its territory.

– I am glad that we can live up to one of the important commitments made by the Commission – the revision of legislation making decisions on GMOs. Commission listens to the concerns expressed by many people in Europe, reflected in the positions of their national governments. The adoption of today’s proposal, in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity, Member States will provide greater flexibility in the use of EU approved GMOs in food and feed on their territory – said Vytenis Andriukaitus, EU Commissioner for. Health and food safety.

The Commission’s proposal is a clear signal to citizens that the EU takes into account their concerns, which may vary depending on the country. The new approach is to achieve the right balance between maintaining the EU authorization system and the freedom of Member States to decide on the use of GMOs in their territory.

It is important to maintain a uniform system of risk management, as it provides the same level of protection across the EU. The current system of approval, based on research and labeling rules that ensure consumer choice will not be changed. Change is that after the approval of GMOs for use as food or feed in Europe, Member States will be able to choose to exclude from the application of the GMOs in their food chain.