EU delays ruling on GM products

BRUSSELS (AFP) — The European Commission on Wednesday ordered more tests on whether several genetically modified products should be allowed in Europe, putting back a decision on whether to give approval.

Commission spokesman Johannes Laitenberger put the new delay down to divisions within the European Union's executive arm, pitting environmentalists against the biotech industry.

"There were doubts and it was decided to seek more clarification," he said. "If the scientific evidence confirm that the product is safe, then it will be allowed."

Laitenberger said the European Food Safety Authority, which has never rejected a GM product, had been ordered to carry out more scientific analysis of the products.

EU member states hold responsibility for jointly deciding whether GM products should be allowed on the market but frequently are unable to make a decision because they are divided on the subject.

As a result, the decision reverts to the European ...