EC Authorises 8 Genetically Modified Crops for Use as Food and Feed

25 January 2021- Last week saw the European Commission authorise five genetically modified crops (3 maize and 2 soybeans) and renewed the authorisation for three maize crops used for food and feed.
This authorisation does not cover cultivation, but rather the use of the crops in the food and feed chains.
The Commission underlines that “all of these GMOs have gone through a comprehensive and stringent authorisation procedure, including a favourable scientific assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).”
This decision comes after Member States did not reach a qualified majority either in favour or against at the Standing Committee and at the subsequent Appeal Committee, a deadlock which has become standard procedure when it comes to GMO authorisations. The European Commission has therefore the legal duty to proceed with the authorisations [see this infographic]. The authorisations are valid for 10 years, and any product produced from these GMOs will be subject to the EU's strict labelling and traceability rules.
The European Union’s legislative body, the EU Parliament, has frequently voted to reject the approval of genetically modified organisms; however, as it does not play a role in the authorisation process, these votes are nonbinding.
Given the frequency with which the authorisations of GMOs are forced to the EC after Member States are unable to come to an agreement ,as well as the opposition expressed by both Member States and the EU Parliament, the Commission is proposing changes which would allow EU countries freedom to restrict or prohibit use of Authorised GMOs