A review of the European Union's procedures for vetting genetically modified
crops does not imply the policy will undergo far-reaching change, a French
environment minister said Friday.
"We are not fundamentally questioning the European system, or looking to
overhaul procedure," said Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, secretary of state for
ecology, at an informal meeting of the EU's 27 environment and energy
ministers outside Paris.

While acknowledging that certain "concerns have emerged," she said the
overall aim was to improve rules already in place.

"There remain doubts, about an insufficient number of evaluation and
long-term impacts, and a need for more transparency," she told journalists
during a break in the meetings.

The consumption of foods made from genetically modified organisms (GMO) is a
thorny issue in Europe. Opinion polls show a majority of Europeans have
health fears or environmental concerns about the novel crops.

Some EU nations have requested authorisation to declare certain regions
"GMO-free," Kosciusko-Morizet said, without giving any further details.

France, which began its six-month presidency of the EU on July 1, called
earlier this year for a review of GMO policy.

A new working group was set up at the meeting Friday, and is scheduled to
deliver its findings in December.

One recommendation put to the ministers was to change the status of the
experts in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and to toughen up the
standards for authorising transgenic foods.

At the moment, EFSA gives a scientific opinion about GMOs that are seeking
approval to enter the market. That opinion is then submitted to member
states, which decide whether to allow the new product.

However, because member states are usually split on authorising GMOs, the
decision reverts to the European Commission, which in turn usually follows
EFSA's opinion.

France has banned the growing of a GMO maize variety produced by the US
group Monsanto, the only genetically modified crop grown within the EU,
mainly in Spain.
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