EUROPEAN IMPORT BANS ON GENETICALLY ENGINEERED MAIZE STAY

EUROPEAN IMPORT BANS ON GENETICALLY ENGINEERED MAIZE STAY
Brussels, 5 November 1997
In another blow to the European Commission's policy on genetically engineered crops, European member states today refused to support an attempt by the Commission to prohibit national import bans on maize genetically manipulated by the multinational agrochemical company Novartis.
At a meeting in Brussels today (Wednesday), member states and the EU Commission postponed for two months a vote on the Commission's decision to overturn national import bans on the genetically engineered maize imposed by Austria and Luxembourg.
This means these two countries will be able to continue to refuse the genetically engineered maize. Greenpeace welcomed the delay, though said it would have prefered member states to have voted down outright the Commission's decision.
"A majority of member states have told the Commission twice already that they do not want this genetically manipulated crop," said Greenpeace campaigner Isabelle Meister. "The Commission should simply withdraw its approval for the Novartis maize immediately.
"Wherever genetically altered organisms and food is concerned, the European Commission has so far bowed to the genetic engineering industry and US trade interests, and shown complete disregard for the protection of the environment and public health. It is anti-democratic for the Commission to continue to ignore the clearly expressed concerns of European member states, the European Parliament and European consumers," said Meister.
Novartis GE maize contains a Bt toxin which is designed to ward off pests, a gene which makes the plant tolerant to herbicide, and a gene which provides resistance to antibiotics. It is feared that this antibiotic resistance may be spread to bacteria harmful to animals and humans. In a letter to the journal, `Nature' recently, scientists warned of the need to preserve the life-saving potential of antibiotics, and recommended that the spread of antibiotic resistance genes be stopped.
Other concerns over the Novartis GE maize are that the Bt toxin is likely to trigger the development of resistant insects, threatening future use of natural Bt formulation by organic farmers, and that the production of toxin may by harmful for non-target species.
Austria has already announced that if necessary, it will fight for its right to ban the import of Novartis GE maize at the European Court of Justice. Greenpeace calls on all European member states to support Austria in this legal challenge. "It seems incredible that legal action appears to be the only means to get the European Commission to fulfill its duty towards European countries, their citizens, and the environment," said Meister.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Greenpeace International Press Officer, James Gillies on ++31 20 524 9548,
Genetic Engineering campaigner Isabelle Meister on ++ 41 794 184 455,
Louise Gale, Grenpeace European Unit on ++ 32 2 280 1400