GREENPEACE QUESTIONS LEGALITY OF GE MAIZE IMPORTS INTO EUROPE

GREENPEACE QUESTIONS LEGALITY OF GE MAIZE IMPORTS INTO EUROPE
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, 12 November 1997
A ship carrying US genetically manipulated soya, which Greenpeace has prevented from unloading since yesterday, is also carrying maize which is likely to contain genetically manipulated varieties which are illegal to import into Europe, Greenpeace said today.
Greenpeace has sent letters to the Dutch Agriculture and Environment Ministers calling on them to impound the shipment until it is confirmed that no unauthorised genetically altered maize is contained in the cargo.
European Bulk Services (EBS), which is the handling agent for international grain company ADM (Archers Daniels Midlands), this morning confirmed that the shipment contained maize as well as soya beans from the United States.
There are at least four genetically engineered (GE) varieties of maize which have been grown this year in the USA including; GE maize from Novartis, from Northrup King (a Novartis subsidiary), from AgrEvo and from Monsanto. Only one of these GE maize crops, one of Novartis', has received authorisation for importation and use throughout the European Union.
Currently nine per cent of all maize grown in the US is genetically engineered or about 2.9 million hectares. There is currently no requirement in the US for the segregation of natural grains from genetically engineered varieties.
Greenpeace spokesperson Michelle Sheather said there is a need to control and regulate the international movements of these genetic materials and impose a strict liability regime for any damage they may cause. Greenpeace is calling for this to be introduced into an international convention called the Biosafety Protocol which is presently under negotiation.
"We also need genuine labelling to give consumers their right to choose and therefore there must be segregation of natural grains and those which have been genetically engineered by grain companies such as ADM" said Sheather.
Greenpeace occupied the berth of the Turkish freighter "MN Istanbul" at the EBS at around midday yesterday preventing it from unloading its 60,000 tonnes of genetically altered soya beans. Activists, using magnets, erected banners saying "Genetic Hazard Patrol" on the freighter and also painted a giant "X" to signify the dangerous cargo on board. More than 60 activists from 17 countries will participate in the Genetic Hazard Patrols of key European transport routes over the coming months.
Opposition to genetically engineered foods is widespread throughout Europe since it was first shipped from the US one year ago. Three countries have implemented national bans against the maize, supermarket chains, and food processing companies are remaining GE free.
"These companies are taking a massive ecological and health risks on the public's behalf by releasing these genetically altered crops into the natural environment and into our food supply. Even meat, eggs and dairy products could be affected as the livestock industry begins using GE grains," said Sheather.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michelle Sheather Greenpeace International campaigner on tel: 31-6-53504775
Marie-Jeanne Schiffelers Greenpeace Netherlands campaigner tel: 31-6-53623818
Jon Walter Greenpeace International press officer tel: 31-20-5249547.