Luxembourg calls to stop EU introduction of GM maize

(CS) Some 14 associations from Luxembourg have called on EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding to stop the introduction of a type of GM maize, saying that it lacks a proper risk assessment.

Together, the associations, which include Fairtrade Lëtzebuerg, the Mouvement Écologique, natur&ëmwelt, SOS Faim, Greenpeace and the Vegan Society, among others, want Reding to help prevent the introduction of the so-called 1507 maize created by Pioneer Hi-Bred.

The EU's College of Commissioners is set to meet on Wednesday to issue a recommendation to the ministerial council about the GM corn, and the letter's signatories hope that Reding could help sway opinion to a negative verdict.

Until now the GM product has been forbidden, but an appeal by Pioneer Hi-Bred at the European Court of Justice, now forces a renewed decision.

The plant produces its own pesticide and is resistant to glufosinate-ammonium, a commonly used herbicide. The groups of activists warns that the European Food Safety Agency has so far failed to carry out a thorough risk assessment of the plant's herbicide resistance's effects on health and environment – a disregard of EU regulations, according to the associations.

Additionally, the group appeals to Reding saying that the majority of EU citizens is against the introduction of genetically manipulated organisms, as they do not help solve agricultural crises, and carry unknown risks.

Currently, only two GMOs are allowed in the EU, the Monsanto GM corn Mon810 and potato breed Amflora, both of which are banned in Luxembourg.

A court case against the European Commission launched by Hungary, Austria and Luxembourg about scientific and legal issues surrounding Amflora, which has since been pulled from the market by the supplier, is pending.

Meanwhile, Luxembourg itself could face legal action over its Mon810 ban, after a good safety study found no specific scientific evidence to support the ban.