On 9th September 2003 the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Italy could temporarily ban GM foods but must provide sound evidence of the dangers.
Monsanto’s GM maize can be placed on the market without Commission authorisation. However, Italy can impose a temporary ban on suspicion of risks.
Genes are inserted into the maize in question to render it resistant to certain herbicides and pests.
Although the genetically modified DNA is destroyed during the processing of the maize, Italian scientists found residues of GMO proteins which prompted the Italian government to ban the products.
The Italian courts will now have to rule if there is enough sound scientific evidence of the risks that the maize variety poses to human health or the environment for Italy to sustain a ban. Monsanto predicts that the Italian courts will overturn the ban for lack of evidence.
