European Commission approves use of genetically modified soy in animal feed

The European Commission (EC) has approved the use of genetically modified (GM) soybeans in food and animal feed, the online publication Agriland reported on July 4.

According to the assessment of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), GM soybeans are as safe as traditional ones. According to the commission, the approved GM soybeans have undergone “a comprehensive and rigorous assessment procedure that guarantees a high level of protection for human and animal health, as well as the environment.”

The EC’s decision allows the import of GM soybeans only for use in food and animal feed, but not for cultivation in the EU, the report says. The permit will be valid for ten years.

Earlier, the bloc’s states were unable to achieve a qualified majority in voting either for or against the permit. The European Commission had a legal obligation to make a decision on this issue.

Tags: soybean, compound feed