The European Union’s executive body on Friday approved the import of 19 genetically modified organisms (GMOs), sparking criticism from environmental advocates who say the action is a gift to corporations and a slap in the face to democracy.
According to a statement from the European Commission, seven of the authorizations are for renewals, 10 are for new food and animal feed, and two are for cut flowers. The products include maize, soybean, cotton, oilseed rape, and carnations. Eleven of the products are made by Monsanto.
The statement adds that the products have already been given favorable approval by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and that the authorizations are for a 10-year period.
The approval of the imports follows a proposal from the Commission earlier in the week to allow member states to ban GMO imports only on the basis of socio-economic impact or public interest, not environmental concerns.
Among the criticisms of Friday’s move are that the majority of the EU’s residents have said they don’t want GMOs.
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“This is TTIP in action.”
—Franziska Achterberg, Greenpeace EUGreenpeace EU food policy director Franziska Achterberg said that European Commission President Juncker’s “decision just confirms that he has no intention of bringing the EU closer to its citizens. Instead, he’s moving closer to the US and Monsanto.”
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