27 June 2011

The European Union relaxed its ‘zero tolerance’ on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in imported animal feed on Friday (24 June), allowing traces (0.1 per cent) of unapproved GM material to enter the EU in imports. image expired

The announcement was made after concerted industry lobbying, claiming that relaxation was needed to avoid further supply disruptions after 2009, when U.S. soy shipments to Europe were blocked due to contamination with unapproved GMOs. The European Commission, who passed the ruling, said in a statement, "The regulation ... addresses the current uncertainty EU operators face when placing on the market feed products imported from third countries."

However, reneging on its ‘zero tolerance’ policy has led to accusation that the EU has caved to GM-industry lobbying and is allowing the controversial GM material in ‘through the back door.’ As the GMOs in feed have not passed the EU’s safety assessment process, allowing them to enter the union could have unforeseen consequences.

Furthermore, traders and exporting states have issued warnings over the costliness and impracticality of separating global grain supplies into those destined for humans and those for animals, as the new feed rules only cover grains destined for animal consumption.

The Commission has stated that an EU authorisation request must have been lodged with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for at least three months before any of the contaminant crops will be accepted. The regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.