European regulators disagree on Monsanto corn

Date:07-23-2009

European Union countries failed on Wednesday to authorise three types of genetically modified maize produced by Monsanto and Pioneer Hi-Bred, a unit of DuPont.

The executive European Commission said a panel of national experts from the EUs 27 member states had not managed to reach agreement to approve Monsantos GM maize MON88017, MON89034 and Pioneers 59122xNK603.

"Member states returned no definitive opinion for both files, either for or against the proposal," the Commission said in a statement.

EU governments will now debate the authorisation at a higher level -- ambassadors or ministers.

Genetically modified food is a sensitive issue in many countries, such as Austria, Hungary or Poland, with many people hostile to what they call "Frankenstein foods."