EU approves new GM maize and soybean varieties for food and feed use

The European Commission has approved the use of three genetically modified crops in animal feed and food products within the European Union. The decision follows positive safety assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Specifically, the Commission authorized the import and use of one new GM maize variety and renewed approvals for one GM soybean variety and another GM maize variety. All authorizations apply exclusively to the import and use of these crops for food and feed production.

The decision does not allow the cultivation of these genetically modified crops within the EU. Commercial cultivation remains prohibited across the bloc, while imported products must continue to comply with the EU’s traceability and labeling requirements.

According to EFSA, the approved GM crops are as safe for human and animal health, as well as the environment, as conventionally bred varieties. The European Commission’s authorizations are valid for 10 years.

At the same time, the European Parliament is continuing to reform legislation governing modern plant breeding. It has recently established a separate regulatory framework for plants developed using new genomic techniques (NGTs). However, these rules do not apply to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which will continue to require separate regulatory approval for commercial use.

Tags: soybean, food, GM, compound feed, corn, EU