26.06.2014 | permalink
Transgenes - moving without control
http://www.stop-the-spread-of-transgenes.org/
...
EFSA gives carte blanche to the uncontrolled spread of Monsanto's genetically engineered oilseed rape
German government urged to take action to stop the flow of transgenes into the environment
26 June 2014. In a letter addressed to the German government, ten organisations are warning
that genetically modified rapeseed could spread uncontrollably throughout the EU. The letter
voices concern about a current European Food Safety Authority EFSA opinion, which argues
in favour of an EU import approval for Monsanto's rapeseed MON88302. The glyphosate
resistant plant is to be imported in the form of viable seeds and, in Europe, will only be
processed into feed. The plants have shown unexpected side effects due to a genetic
modification that causes the plants to flower earlier than their natural counterparts. In its
opinion, EFSA confirms that "the occurrence of feral GMHT [genetically modified herbicide
tolerant] oilseed rape plants are likely to occur wherever GMHT oilseed rape is transported."
Even so, the authority sees no problems for agriculture and the environment.