The failure by governments to agree on standards for the controversial growth hormone, bovine somatrophin (BST), is likely to make it much easier for the EU to renew its ban of the Monsanto product, which boosts milk yields, later this year.
A meeting of the UN body that sets international food standards, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, has failed to secure agreement on a permissible maximum residue level (MRL) for the product. BST, which is similar to a natural growth hormone found in cattle, is genetically engineered by the US biotech company.
The outcome of the meeting in Rome (which broke up at the weekend) means governments will have more leeway in deciding whether to allow the use of BST. The EU has a moratorium on its use, primarily because of what it believes are indications of animal welfare problems. Canadian health authorities earlier this year rejected Monsanto's request for its approval despite its widespread use in the US.
The US administration has for some time been seeking an international agreement on a MRL for BST, but accepted the outcome of the Codex meeting. The EU has, however, been reviewing the scientific evidence on BST with every indication it will renew its ban shortly.
Consumers International, a federation of 245 consumer organisations in 110 countries, welcomed the outcome, calling it "a victory for the health and safety of consumers".
Its director general, Mr Julian Edwards, said: "With this decision Codex has taken an important step in listening to consumer concerns. National governments will be able to act to ensure their citizens are not forced to consume products produced with the use of BST."
Consumers International believed the hormone had not been proven safe. "The adoption of a standard would have asserted the hormone was safe to use, and countries refusing to import dairy products from countries where BST is used could be brought before the World Trade Organisation on the grounds they are creating a barrier to trade."
