BASF Sues EC Over Delays in GM Potato Approval

BASF Plant Science filed an action against the European Commission (EC) for failure to act regarding the approval of its genetically modified (GM) potato, Amflora. The company has filed the lawsuit with the Court of First Instance in Luxembourg. According to BASF, the Commission has unjustifiably delayed the approval of the GM potato on several occasions, particularly between July 2007 and May 2008 when Amflora was not approved even after the completion of other procedural steps. The Amflora approval process was initiated 12 years ago with the request for authorization submitted in August 1996. The European Food Safety Authority, after rigorous scientific assessment, has concluded that the Amflora is as safe as its non-GM counterpart. View the press release at GM Papaya with Improved Resistance to Mites Researchers at the... [read full story]