THE European Parliament voted by a large majority yesterday in favour of a resolution calling on the European Commission to suspend the authorisation allowing genetically modified maize to be marketed in the EU.
The resolution asks for the reopening of the authorisation procedure and a complete reassessment of the maize produced by Ciba-Geigy in the US. It was cleared for use without its being labelled as a genetically modified food item.
The Green Party MEP, Ms Nuala Ahern, said it was a landmark decision which took into account the concerns of most MEPs. It should lead to a re-evaluation of the latest scientific evidence presented to the commission, she said.
Ms Ahern added that the commission must now act to suspend the approval given to marketing of the maize.