Authorisation of a Monsanto/Bayer maize despite inadequate risk assessment

9.1.2019

Question for written answer E-000065-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Eric Andrieu (S&D) , Marc Tarabella (S&D)

On Wednesday, 19 December 2018, the Commission authorised the import into the European Union of a genetically modified Monsanto/Bayer maize for use as food and feed. This authorisation was given in spite of the potential health risks, which were not taken into account or duly assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The product in question is a transgenic maize which produces six Bt toxins. Recent scientific findings point to the substantial risk posed by these toxins for the immune system.

This maize also has a stronger resistance to glyphosate. It can therefore be sprayed with high doses of herbicides, which may cause a bigger residue to be left. But according to the EFSA, the data is insufficient to draw conclusions on the safety of those residues.

Given the inadequate assessment of the risks associated with this product, and the fact that Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that ‘Union policy on the environment shall aim at a high level of protection’ and ‘shall be based on the precautionary principle and on the [principle] that preventive action should be taken…’:

• 1.Why would the Commission uphold the authorisation to import this product?
• 2.Should it not instead suspend it, given the risks posed to the health of 500 million Europeans?