EU Approves Strict New Rules For Genetically Modified Crops

GEOFF WINESTOCK  / WALL STREET JOURNAL 15feb01

The European Union approved a system of strict safeguards that the biotechnology industry hopes will help win public acceptance for genetically modified crops.

But a flood of such crops into Europe remains unlikely any time soon. Consumer groups and several EU countries have already said that they want even more safeguards in place before they will support lifting a moratorium on approval of new genetically modified crop varieties.

The EU directive, which was approved finally in a 338-52 vote Wednesday by the European Parliament after two years of lobbying, sets out procedures for licensing of genetically modified crops and foods. These include a system of independent scientific assessment of any potential risks, surveillance after the crops are released into the environment and rules on labelling.

"We now have the toughest GM legislation in the world, there's no doubt about that," said David Bowe, the British Labour MEP responsible for guiding the draft legislation through the assembly, which is based in Strasbourg, France.

About a dozen genetically modified crops, mostly corn and soy, were authorized for use in the EU before April 1998. But environmental groups said the approval system used for these products was too lax, and the process ground to a halt. A de facto moratorium on clearances was put in place by EU environment ministers in June 1999. There are currently at least 14 genetically modified products that have been approved by EU scientists but which are caught by the moratorium.

Changing that will be difficult, however, given the consumer concern, which has seen genetically modified crops dug up on farms across Europe and boycotted on store shelves.

In anticipation of Wednesday's vote, a group of six countries -- France, Italy, Greece, Austria, Luxembourg and Denmark -- said it is still too early to lift the moratorium on new genetically modified products, and that more legislation is needed. Green and consumer groups are concerned that there must be a clearer system to guarantee that the percentage of genetically modified ingredients in any product doesn't exceed what is advertised on the packaging. "The new directive goes along the right lines to protect the environment and human health," said Green Party leader Paul Lannoye of Belgium. "However, it should not be seen by member states as an encouragement to lift the ban on new GMO [genetically modified organism] releases."

It remains unclear what effect this opposition will have on the operation of the new safeguard system. Decisions on approval of new products under the new directive must be taken by a qualified majority of member governments, which means that much will depend on public opinion. Even if a product is approved at EU level, countries such as Austria and France might unilaterally refuse to allow the use of genetically modified products on their territory.

The European Commission, the EU executive body, last year called for an immediate lifting of the ban as soon as the new safeguard system was in place. It would like to avoid a potential trade dispute with the U.S. over the issue. On Wednesday, however, commission officials said they wouldn't ask for a lifting of the moratorium until the draft versions of the new laws on labeling are published.

With these obstacles in mind, the biotech industry gave only a cautious welcome to the passage of the directive. "The directive at last leads the way to establishing a more rigorous and coherent framework for the regulation and market supervision of biotechnology in Europe," said biotechnology industry group EuropaBio.

"EuropaBio believes the amended directive will further strengthen the already stringent safety assessment process, help to establish consumer confidence in the regulatory process and convince investors there is a future for agro-food biotechnology in Europe."

But much will depend on the reaction of environmental and consumer groups who determine the political debate around genetically modified organisms. The top European consumer organization, BEUC, hailed the new system as a "first step" in rebuilding consumer confidence.

But other environmental lobby groups said the laws don't go far enough to safeguard public health and the environment. As well as the labeling issue, some have called for tougher rules on liability for any environmental damage.

"As it stands, farmers face the consequences of GMO pollution, we face the health risks of GMOs, and the biotech industry escapes without any strict liability. The directive should have been better," said Gill Lacroix, biotech coordinator at Friends of the Earth.

New Foods

Some genetically modified crops awaiting clearance by the EU

Source: European Commission