Socialists and Democrats in the environment committee today rejected a proposal put forward by the European Commission on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The S&D Group demand clear and unequivocal rules so that the use of genetically modified food and feed can be efficiently restricted.
Matthias Groote, S&D spokesperson on the environment, food safety and public health, stated:
"The proposal as it was presented would have not only endangered the functioning of the EU internal market, but it would have made the restriction or prohibition of the use of genetically modified food and feed impossible.
"According to a Eurobarometer survey on food technology, 58% of Europeans think that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not safe for future generations. These concerns were taken into account today as our main priority in this matter is the health and safety of European citizens."
Guillaume Balas, S&D MEP in charge of the dossier, said:
"This proposal leaves many loopholes. There is a serious problem with the notion of 'use', which is a very imprecise term. This is not in line with Mr Jean-Claude Juncker's speech when he promised to change the rules for authorising GMO's.
"That's why we call on the Commission to submit a new proposal, fully taking into account the opposition expressed by the majority of EU Member States.""
