This genetically modified potato produces unusually large quantities of starch and contains two controversial marker genes linked to the risk of increasing drug resistance.
On 17 February 2008 the EU Agriculture Council did not approve the application and the Commission was thus the one in charge of taking the decision. On 12 March 2008, voting members of the EU Commission have delayed approval of the antibiotics resistant potato.
EPHA was concerned because the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) - whose opinions are generally followed by the Commission - did not reclassify the antibiotic resistant marker gene present in the potato. However, EFSA has acknowledged its mistake concerning the therapeutic relevance of the antibiotics following the World Health Organisation (WHO) scientific evidence and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) recommendations.
Therefore, EPHA supported the work Greenpeace to encourage the Commission to reject the application.
A letter was sent to the Commissioners asking to reject the authorisation of the potato in light of the possible negative impact on human health. To read the letter please click here
EPHA is pleased to announce that this joint action has delayed the decision to authorise the use of the potato in 2008. Furthermore, EPHA will continue to monitor the progress of this application.
For further information
European Commission
EU Agriculture Council
European Food Standards Agency (EFSA)
World Health Organisation (WHO)
European Medicines Agency (EMEA)
Greenpeace
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