EU Greenlights GMO Products Amidst Public Concerns
Concerns over the European Commission's approval process for GMO foods raised by Member of Parliament
The European Commission has faced criticism for its approval procedures regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which often occur without unanimous consent from member states.
Biljana Borzan, a prominent food safety rapporteur, has highlighted the lack of transparency in these processes, arguing that they fail to reflect the will of the citizens.
During a recent plenary session, Borzan initiated a debate addressing these concerns, emphasizing that the Commission has approved GMO products for both human and animal consumption despite significant opposition from the European Parliament.
Borzan stated that there have been nearly 50 instances where the Parliament objected to the introduction of GMOs into the European food supply, only to be ignored by the Commission each time.
She expressed alarm over the implications for democracy within the European Union, urging the Commission to heed the opinions of citizens and their representatives.
A study conducted in Croatia, which Borzan referenced, indicated that only 4.4% of respondents considered GMO foods to be safe and beneficial.
She characterized the issue not as an ideological battle against GMOs but rather as a matter of respecting democratic choices, scientific claims, and the EU's commitment to a sustainable future.
Borzan criticized the Commission's stance of promoting agricultural sustainability while allowing GMOs into the market without adequate risk assessments.
During the discussion, Borzan reiterated that the relaxation of GMO regulations posed a serious risk to food safety and public health, warning that changes favoring the industry could endanger consumers.
She emphasized the importance of transparency, asserting that individuals have the right to know the safety of their food sources.
In context, the EU’s legislation surrounding GMOs dates back to 1990, when directives were established to limit their use primarily to laboratories and certified industrial facilities.
A subsequent directive in 2001 concerning the selective release of GMO foods aimed to ensure that these products did not pose risks to human health or the environment.
Currently, countries such as Hungary, Bulgaria, France, Austria, Germany, Greece, and Luxembourg have banned the cultivation of GMO crops.
In Spain, where a more lenient approach exists, some pests have developed resistance to GMO corn, leading to increased pesticide use and raising ecological concerns.
In Serbia, a law enacted in 2009 prohibits the production and marketing of GMOs, maintaining stricter regulations than those in place under EU law.
However, this law may conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) requirements, as general trade bans on any products are not permitted among its member states.
As Serbia seeks to join the WTO, amendments to its GMO legislation may become necessary.
Despite these challenges, there remains confidence among Serbian consumers regarding the availability of organic products provided by local farmers, reinforcing public support for traditional agricultural practices.
Biljana Borzan, a prominent food safety rapporteur, has highlighted the lack of transparency in these processes, arguing that they fail to reflect the will of the citizens.
During a recent plenary session, Borzan initiated a debate addressing these concerns, emphasizing that the Commission has approved GMO products for both human and animal consumption despite significant opposition from the European Parliament.
Borzan stated that there have been nearly 50 instances where the Parliament objected to the introduction of GMOs into the European food supply, only to be ignored by the Commission each time.
She expressed alarm over the implications for democracy within the European Union, urging the Commission to heed the opinions of citizens and their representatives.
A study conducted in Croatia, which Borzan referenced, indicated that only 4.4% of respondents considered GMO foods to be safe and beneficial.
She characterized the issue not as an ideological battle against GMOs but rather as a matter of respecting democratic choices, scientific claims, and the EU's commitment to a sustainable future.
Borzan criticized the Commission's stance of promoting agricultural sustainability while allowing GMOs into the market without adequate risk assessments.
During the discussion, Borzan reiterated that the relaxation of GMO regulations posed a serious risk to food safety and public health, warning that changes favoring the industry could endanger consumers.
She emphasized the importance of transparency, asserting that individuals have the right to know the safety of their food sources.
In context, the EU’s legislation surrounding GMOs dates back to 1990, when directives were established to limit their use primarily to laboratories and certified industrial facilities.
A subsequent directive in 2001 concerning the selective release of GMO foods aimed to ensure that these products did not pose risks to human health or the environment.
Currently, countries such as Hungary, Bulgaria, France, Austria, Germany, Greece, and Luxembourg have banned the cultivation of GMO crops.
In Spain, where a more lenient approach exists, some pests have developed resistance to GMO corn, leading to increased pesticide use and raising ecological concerns.
In Serbia, a law enacted in 2009 prohibits the production and marketing of GMOs, maintaining stricter regulations than those in place under EU law.
However, this law may conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) requirements, as general trade bans on any products are not permitted among its member states.
As Serbia seeks to join the WTO, amendments to its GMO legislation may become necessary.
Despite these challenges, there remains confidence among Serbian consumers regarding the availability of organic products provided by local farmers, reinforcing public support for traditional agricultural practices.
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