EP Gives Green Light to GMO Foods

Two crucial reports on Genetically Modified Organisms, debated last Tuesday 1 July by the European Parliament, will lead to lift Europe’s GM ban.

The two pieces of legislation, voted on 2 July, focus on tightening labelling laws for food containing genetically modified elements and providing rules for "co-existence" between GM and non-GM crops.

If given the go ahead in the Council the legislation could come into force this autumn.

 Report on the Council common position for adopting a European Parliament and Council regulation on genetically modified food and feed, Karin Scheele MEP (PES, A)

 Report on the Council common position for adopting a European Parliament and Council regulation on traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms and amending Directive 2001/18/EC, Antonios Trakatellis MEP (EPP-ED, GR)

 Summary of the Debate in the plenary session of the EP

 David Byrne, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Speech on: "GM Food and Feed", at the European Parliament Plenary Session Strasbourg, 1 July

 Margot Wallström Member of the European Commission, responsible for Environment, Speech on: "Traceability and labelling of GMOs" at the European Parliament Strasbourg, 1 July 2003

 Open letter from the Greens/EFA to George Bush demanding the introduction of GMO labelling in the US

 Summary of EP Voting, 2 July