Monsanto soybeans under fire St. Louis Business Journal 17aug01

Monsanto's genetically modified Roundup Ready soybeans are coming under fire after a European journal raised questions about their DNA. 

The European Food Research and Technology journal published research by Belgian scientists that indicated there was some unknown DNA in the soybeans. The report has caused the Greenpeace organization to ask countries to reevaluate regulatory approvals of the soybeans. 

The New York Times reported that Dr. Jerry Hjelle, vice president for regulatory affairs for Monsanto, said the company knew the DNA was there and was confident that the soybeans were safe. 

More than half of the soybeans grown in the United States are Roundup Ready. They are approved for use in Europe and Japan.