EU authorises new GM rapeseed crops

The crops, known as Ms8, R13 and Ms8xR13 have been genetically modified to
make them resistant to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium. They will be used in
animal feed and for industrial purposes only, EU officials said in a statement
in Brussels yesterday.

Safe
The European Food Safety
Authority (EFSA) said that a strict scientific assessment had found the three
rape varieties to be “as safe as conventional oilseed rapes.” Processed oil
derived from these GM oilseeds has already been approved for food use in the
EU.

According to the Commission, the crops have been authorised for a
period of 10 years. Strict product labelling and monitoring procedures will
apply, in addition to measures that must be taken by Bayer (the company who
developed them) to prevent damage to health and the environment should there be
accidental cross-contamination with conventional or organic rapeseed
varieties.

Related websites:
EFSA
Bayer

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