Japan’s GM dilemma
The Japanese government faces a stiff challenge in attempting to persuade a highly GM-averse population to embrace genetically modified food. But, writes Michael Fitzpatrick, it is a challenge that has to be addressed if Japan...
The GM debate
RUSSIA: US rice imports suspended over GMOs
The Rosselkhoznadzor, the Russian agricultural inspection agency, announced on Friday (29 September) that it has stopped issuing quarantine permits for US rice because genetically modified rice, which had not yet passed safety tests, had been on sale in the US.
UK: Friends of the Earth to take legal action over GM rice
Environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth has taken the first step in mounting a legal challenge to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) for its failure to take appropriate action to prevent illegal GM rice from being sold to the public, following the discovery of GM-contaminated rice in own-label packs sold by UK supermarket chain Morrisons.
EU: EFSA finds GM rice not threat to health
Illegal biotech rice imported from the US and China is unlikely to pose a significant threat to public health, the European Food Safety Authority said today (14 September).
UK: Unilever GM ice cream questioned by ISP
Unilever has met some obstacles from anti-GM groups in seeking FSA approval for the genetically modified (GM) ice-structuring protein derived from a polar fish, ocean pout, for use in its ice cream made in the UK.
EU: EFSA committed to cooperation in GMO risk assessment
Responding to pressure for a tougher stance and increased transparency on the licensing of genetically modified organisms, the European Food Standards Agency has emphasised its commitment to cooperating with Member…
JAPAN: Survey finds strong consumer opposition to GMOs
A panel entrusted by the Japanese Government to promote acceptance of GM products has released details of a poll that shows half of the population firmly against GM crops. The…
THAILAND: More complete GMO labelling demanded by consumer groups
The Thai Government’s Public Health Ministry is being called upon to amend labelling laws so they cover the full range of GMO-containing products. Original legislation, formed three years ago, does…
EU: EFSA convenes talks on GMOs
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) held a meeting today (16 May) in Brussels which brought together scientific representatives from the 25 European Union countries, along with Switzerland and Norway,…
WTO: EU’s GMO block broke international trade rules
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has today (11 May) upheld a ruling that the EU broke international trade regulations with its effective ban on bio-tech foods between 1998 and 2004.…
EU: Environmental groups accuse EC of ‘double standard’ on GM issue
European environmental groups today (18 April) called for the sale and cultivation of genetically modified foods and crops to be halted, accusing the European Commission of approving GM foods despite…
