MEPs Hit Out at GM Soybean Authorization

04 Feb 2016 --- The EU Commission should withdraw its authorization of the use of glyphosate-tolerant GM soybeans in food and feed, according to the European Parliament. MEPs highlighted that glyphosate, a herbicide, is classified as “probably carcinogenic” by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and also that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are being authorized in the EU without the support of member states.

The three genetically modifies soybeans to be authorized by the European Commission for use in food and feed at FG72, MON 87708 x MON 89788 and MON 87705 x MON 89788.

The MEPs approved three separate objection all tabled by three of their peers.

In particular, MEPs point out that the herbicide glyphosate, which the three GM soybeans tolerate (along with other herbicides in the case of FG72 and MON 87708 x MON 89788), was classified as “probably carcinogenic” to humans on 20 March 2015 by the WHO’s cancer agency.

They also argued that every GM authorization decision taken by the Commission has to date been taken without their support of a qualified majority of member states.

The decision by the European Parliament follows its opposition stated in October last year to a separate EU law which would enable any EU member state to restricit4 or prohibit the sale and use of EU-approved GMO food or feed.

MEPs believe that this law might prove unworkable or that it could lead to the reintroduction of border checks between pro and anti-GMO countries.

by John Reynolds