|
EC hails GM accord
FEBRUARY 1: The European Commission and European biotechnology firms on Monday welcomed an agreement reached by international negotiators in Montreal on regulating trade in genetically modified organisms (GMOs) used in food. "This is a historical moment and a breakthrough for international agreements on trade and the environment," European Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom said in a statement. On Saturday more than 130 countries struck an accord creating an international frame work for countries to use when making decisions about genetically modified food. It will require shipments of GM crops to carry labels saying they "may contain" GMOs and are not intended for intentional introduction into the environment.The Commission said it was happy the agreement recognised the so-called "precautionary principle" which allowed the EU to reject food imports if it had evidence, but not necessarily proof, that they present a danger to health. Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
|