Coalition calls for the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to take action
Friday, 16 May 2014
Today sees the start of an international call by a broad coalition of organisations to stop the spread of genetically engineered organisms into the environment. The initiative says that binding regulations must be implemented to prevent the release of genetically engineered plants that can persist and invade the environment or lead to transgene flow into native populations or local varieties at centres of origin and of genetic diversity. The organisations will be approaching the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and encouraging them to become actively involved.
Today the European Patent Office (EPO) in Munich decided upon a patent held by Ovasort (UK) covering human sperm cells and the gender selection of offspring (EP1263521). Testbiotech filed an opposition because the patent violated the ethical boundaries of patent law. The opposition was successful and the patent has now been completely revoked.
On 15.05.2014 a public hearing will be held at the EPO in Munich. It is exactly two years since representatives of the organisation Testbiotech filed an opposition to a patent (EP1263521) held by Ovasort (UK). The patent covers human sperm cells selected for their gender intended for use in in-vitro fertilisation and the production of female offspring. The patent also covers uses in animal breeding and claims the production of non-human female embryos as an invention.
Next May 7, Member States sitting in the Council of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) will vote to appoint seven members of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA is responsible for the risk assessment of all issues related to food and feed safety in the EU including genetically engineered plants, pesticides and food additives. Its Management Board is the food agency's governing body, also in charge of its independence.
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