French ban of Monsanto GM maize rejected by EU

Date:05-23-2012

Following scientific evidence presented by France, the European Food Safety Authority ruled that "there is no specific scientific evidence, in terms of risk to human and animal health or the environment" to support a ban.

The French government called on the European Commission in February to suspend the authorisation to grow Monsanto's genetically modified MON810 corn in the EU.

France banned the growing of MON810 corn in 2008 (AgroNews 2008-01-16), the only GM crop approved for planting in the European Union, citing environmental risks.

France's high court ruled against the ban in November, following a similar decision by the European Court of Justice last September, leading the government to say it would look at all ways to maintain the freeze on GM planting.