The European Parliament has given final approval to the proposed deregulation of plants obtained from new genetic engineering (or new genomic techniques, NGT). Amendments to the regulation failed to gain a majority. As a result, the highly controversial legislation has been passed. The new regulation is based on scientifically unsubstantiated thresholds, and exempts approximately 90 percent of NGT plants from crucial provisions in current legislation.
NGT plants can now be brought to market without undergoing environmental risk assessment. Health risks will only be assessed in specific cases. In addition, there are no requirements for food product labelling or methods of detecting the NGT plants.
Testbiotech believes that civil society now needs to face the serious challenges that this new legislation will bring and push back with countermeasures. Testbiotech plans to play a role in this respect: data on releases and approvals will be systematically collected and evaluated. Thereby, Testbiotech will endeavour to provide greater transparency and push for higher standards in the approval process. For this purpose, a publicly accessible database will be established. Furthermore, Testbiotech also believes that there would be good chances of winning a court case against the new legislation, if started.
Testbiotech is also warning that the EU may go further and lower standards for the release of genetically engineered microorganisms and animals. Instead of simply following unsustainable promises made by the biotech industry, the EU should now prioritize the protection of health and the environment. Unless appropriate measures are implemented, ecosystems could quickly reach the limits of their functionality. Fast-track releases of genetically engineered organisms will also endanger agriculture and food production.
Contact:
Christoph Then, Tel + 49 (0)151 54638040, info@testbiotech.org
Further information:
Report: A crack in creation? Release of NGT organisms may disrupt the ecosystems
Webinar: “The last exit before NGT & GMM are getting out of control?”