THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT has passed a new law giving members states greater power to decide whether to produce genetically modified (GM) crops.
This ruling marks a turnaround for the EU, which has restricted GM crop growth until now.
The law passed through parliament by a vast majority in favour of the changes, including the UK which has expressed a pro stance on GM cross for some time.
The topic of GM crops is a highly contentious one across the EU, though they are widely used in America and Asia.
The new law only applies to crops and does not cover GM used in animal feed, which can still enter the human food chain indirectly.
Last July the new EU Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, said the legal changes were necessary because under current rules “the Commission is legally obliged to authorise the import and processing of new GMOs [genetically modified organisms], even in cases where a clear majority of member states are opposed to their use”.
