EU Parliament rejects GMO liability clause

Reuters 12apr00

STRASBOURG, France - The European Parliament Wednesday rejected major changes to proposed laws governing genetically modified crops, which would make producers liable for environmental damage and outlawed ``gene pollution.''

The changes, rejected in a series votes in the 626-member assembly, had been attacked by Europe's biotech industry, which warned they would saddle companies with an intolerable financial and regulatory burden, costing jobs and forcing the fledgling sector out of Europe.

Green Euro deputies, who argued the measures were needed to protect public health, were disappointed by the outcome.

``The whole package is a present to the industry because it will do nothing to reduce public mistrust and will in fact increase the pressure for local initiatives to keep out GMOs,'' German MEP Hiltrut Breyer said.

European Union governments and the European Commission have already agreed a new authorization procedure for GMOs -- with a 10-year approval lifespan -- but under EU rules on ''co-decision'' the parliament has new rights to have its say on legislation.

Some MEPs, backed by green and consumer lobbies, wanted to go further and force those who produce GMOs to be held liable for any damage they cause, either to the environment or public health.

Greenpeace said it was disappointed by the votes on liability and genetic transfer, although other minor amendments adopted were an improvement on the parliament's original position.

``It is a scandal that the parliament failed to put the financial responsibility where it belongs, on companies pushing these crops to market,'' spokeswoman Ceri Lewis said.

``Once GMOs are released into the environment and are allowed to cross with wild relatives, the genes are impossible to call back,'' she added.