The European Commission authorizes the import of 19 GMOs

The European Commission authorizes the use of 19 new genetically modified organisms (GMOs) – including 10 created by Monsanto. On April 24, it adopted a text which further expands the list of products that can be used in human or animal nutrition. A decision that is debated within the European Union.

With these new authorizations, the European Commission is increasing to 58 the number of GMOs that can be used within the borders of the EU. However, 19 member states – including France – are opposed to the cultivation and use of these products. By way of compensation, the Juncker Commission has therefore taken a step in their direction, by facilitating the possibility of refusing GMOs.

A lure and an “insult to consumers” in the eyes of the party Europe Ecology The Greens (EELV). “Pigs and hams produced with transgenic foods in Poland or Spain will easily end up on the shelves of supermarkets in other countries. There will indeed be no possibility of setting up effective controls ”, denounce its spokespersons in a press release.

José Bové, for his part, evokes a political measure: “Jean-Claude Juncker makes fun of European consumers who from the start have been opposed to transgenic plants. He made a major concession to facilitate the signing of the free trade agreement with the USA, GMOs being one of the bones of contention ”

The European Commission wants to reassure consumers and invokes the expertise of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): “The harmlessness of all GMOs approved today was established before they were put on the market. market in the Union, she specifies on her site. The risk assessment was carried out by EFSA in collaboration with Member States for each GMO intended to be placed on the market. But the European agency is regularly accused of being undermined by conflicts of interest.