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EURACTIV editorial: The EU dilemma with the GMO industry and independent risk research

RAGES project to present results regarding gaps in risk assessment of genetically engineered plants

24 October 2019 / Testbiotech published an EURACTIV editorial regarding the EU regulation of genetically engineered plants. According to the text, the EU Parliament has in recent years adopted around 40 resolutions against further approvals for the import of genetically engineered (GE) plants. One of the criticisms was a lack of adequate and sufficient risk assessment. Experts of several member states raised similar criticism. Nevertheless, the EU Commission gave green light to all these imports.

New EU Parliament speaks out against approvals for the import of genetically engineered plants

Resolutions on plants from Bayer, DowDuPont and Syngenta intended for food and feed

10. October 2019 / The EU Parliament has adopted three resolutions with a large majority against approvals for the import of genetically engineered maize and soybean. The resolutions were tabled by a cross party group of MEPS initiated by the Greens/EFA group. The resolutions call for higher standards in risk assessment and the strengthening of democratic decision-making. It is the first time that the new EU Parliament has dealt with this issue.

Drought-tolerant GE maize: Rejected in South Africa but approved in the EU?

GE maize combining insecticidal toxins, herbicide resistance and supposedly drought-tolerant might be approved for import into the EU

5 October 2019 / The European Food Safety Authority EFSA has given the green light for the import of Bayer (Monsanto) GE maize which produces several insecticides; it has multiple resistance to glyphosate and is said to be drought-tolerant. However, experience with the cultivation of the GE crop plants is disappointing: they do not show any advantages in comparison to conventionally bred maize when grown in drought conditions.

Genetically engineered mosquitoes – further repercussions

Oxitec hiding behind questionable statements

26 September 2019 / Oxitec is casting doubt on a recently published scientific paper reporting the uncontrolled spread of genetically engineered mosquitoes in Brazil. The company is saying that only about five percent of the insects would have survived, and there are no indications that they would spread in future. In addition, they say there is no evidence to show that the transgenes have actually spread with the mosquitoes which survived the trials. However, the claims made by Oxitec are scientifically unconvincing.