Video viEUws.eu: EU Health Commissioner pleads to end “GMO deadlock”
In an exclusive interview with Rose O’Donovan, EU Health & Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis i slammed recent moves by Environment MEPs to reject proposals to allow Member States prohibit their farmers from using imports of genetically modified (GM) feed for their livestock. He said the move was politically driven with scant regard for the substance of the proposal that was unveiled by the Commission on April 22.
The proposed GMO opt-out clause - allowing national bans on the use of GM food & animal feed on grounds other than environment and health already assessed by the EU’s food safety authority - aims to stimulate a genuine debate on the EU’s divisive attitude to biotech crops and also raise awareness among the public. The current deadlock whereby Member States fail to take a clear position on the approval of GMO events cannot continue, as it leads to uncertainties on the market. The GMO plans provide a “window of opportunity” to allow national capitals to take responsibility, Andriukaitis adds.
EU Health Chief pleads to end “GMO deadlock”tweet