The EU regulatory committee on genetically modified organisms has once again failed to clear European Commission proposals to approve a GM crop. The committee did not reach the qualified majority needed to approve the import and use in food and feed of Syngenta's glyphosate-tolerant GA21 maize, despite the fact that the maize was given safety clearance by the European Food Safety Authority last year. Thirteen member states voted in favour, six abstained, five voted against and three were not present. The proposal will be forwarded to EU Ministers. If they do not reach a decision within three months, the Commission is free to go ahead with its proposed approval. GA21 maize has been approved in 13 countries outside the EU.
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