EU member
states have agreed that they should make their own national decisions about
whether to approve genetically modified foods. Previously, states were required
in most cases to implement decisions made by Brussels.
According
to Thursday's compromise, the EU's 28 member states now have the right to ban
genetically modified (GM) foods from their national markets, even if the
product in question has been approved by regulators in Brussels.
Alternatively,
member states that want to permit GM foods are allowed to do so.
"The
new system guarantees that the member states have a choice," French
Environment Minister Segolene Royal said.
Only
Belgium and Luxembourg voted against Thursday's decision. Luxembourg's
environment minister, Carole Dieschbourg, expressed concern that some member
states could opt to approve many new GM foods.
The
European Parliament still has to approve Thursday's compromise decision.
Opposition to GM foods is strong in many European countries over concerns about potential
negative health and environmental effects. But EU regulators have approved many
GM crops as safe. GM crops are imported into the EU in large quantities for
animal feed.
slk/hc (AFP, epd)
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