Commission authorises and renews use of four safe genetically modified crops as food and animal feed

The Commission has authorised one genetically modified maize and renewed the authorisation for three genetically modified crops (oilseed rape, soybean and maize) for use in food and animal feed, following the European Food Safety Authority’s scientific assessment concluding that they are as safe as their conventional counterparts.

These GM crops have undergone a comprehensive and stringent assessment procedure, which ensures a high level of protection of human and animal health, and of the environment. The Commission decisions only allow these genetically modified crops to be imported for use in food and animal feed, but not to be cultivated in the EU.

The authorisations are valid for 10 years, and any product produced from these genetically modified crops will be subject to the EU's labelling and traceability rules. The Commission had a legal obligation to decide on this authorisation and on these renewals after Member States did not reach a qualified majority either in favour or against these decisions.

More information on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the EU.