The EU Council of Ministers has backed member states who have blocked production of genetically modified foods previously approved by the EU.

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Ministers overwhelmingly threw out the latest bid by the European Commission to force Hungary to lift its national ban on the cultivation of Monsanto’s GM maize MON810 and Austria’s ban on MON810 and Bayer’s T25 maize.


Until now, the council has been split, but now only the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland back the Commission, meaning more national bans could be sanctioned.


Brussels could take legal action however, claiming the Council’s decision breaks EU freedom of trade laws.


Meanwhile, environmentalists are thrilled. “This is a victory for the environment, farmers and consumers,” said Greenpeace.

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