News Release

No. 108/04
June 28, 2004

EU COUNCIL FAILS TO REACH AGREEMENT ON GM MAIZE NK603

European Environment ministers today failed to reach an agreement in favor of or against the Commission's proposal to authorize the import and processing of the genetically modified maize NK603 in the EU. In the absence of a Council decision, the file will now go back to the European Commission for final decision. The decision is expected within the coming weeks. The maize has been modified for increased tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate by the company Monsanto. If authorized, the maize would be used as any other maize, except for cultivation and food uses. Its authorization would be for 10 years and it would have to be clearly labeled as being genetically modified. The approval for food uses is pending decision under EU GM Food legislation.

Press Contacts:

Anthony Gooch 202-862-9523

Maeve O'Beirne 202-862-9549

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