Decision on genetically modified oilseed rape to be referred to Council

Brussels, 17 Jun 2004

Following vote in the Regulatory Committee (16/06) on the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, the decision to authorise the import and processing of the genetically modified oilseed rape known as GT73 will pass on to the Council of Ministers.

The Committee, which is set up under Directive 2001/18 and representing the Member States, did not reach the qualified majority necessary to support the Commission proposal to authorise the oilseed rape. The European Commission will now, in the coming weeks, formally adopt the proposal to be sent to the Council of Ministers. 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. If authorized, the oilseed rape, which has been modified for increased tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate, would be clearly labelled as containing GM oilseed rape, in accordance with the new legislation in force since 18 April 2004.

Midday Express