Commission proposal on GM oilseed rape GT73 to be sent to Council

Brussels, 08 Sep 2004

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to be sent to the Council of Ministers to authorise the import and processing of the genetically modified oilseed rape known as GT73.

The oilseed rape has been modified for increased tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate. The Council can either adopt or reject the proposal with a qualified majority. If no decision is taken after three months, the file returns to the Commission which can then adopt it. The Regulatory Committee on the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, representing the Member States, did not deliver an opinion on the Commission's proposal, and the file must therefore be sent to the Council. Refined oil from the GT73 oilseed rape is authorised for human consumption in the EU since 1997 under the Novel Foods Regulation (Reg. 258-97).

Midday Express MEX/04/0908