Imports of GM food and feed: Right of Member States to opt out (third edition)

Briefing 19-10-2015

All genetically modified organisms (GMOs) need authorisation before they can be placed on the EU market. However, a qualified majority among the Member States has never been reached either in favour of or against any authorisation proposal put forward by the Commission. The Commission has therefore concluded that the legal framework for decision-making on genetically modified (GM) food and feed needs to be adapted, and proposes to extend to GM food and feed the solution agreed by the European Parliament and the Council on GMO cultivation. The Member States would thus be allowed to restrict or prohibit the use of genetically modified food and feed on their territory, despite it being authorised at EU level. Stakeholders have been critical of the proposal, claiming that it jeopardises the internal market, would cause serious distortions to competition and leave measures taken by Member States vulnerable to legal challenge. This briefing updates an earlier edition, of 3 July 2015: PE 564.394.