Brussels, Belgium — In one of its first decisions since taking office, the European Commission has today authorised the cultivation of a genetically modified (GM) crop for the first time since 1998. Health Commissioner Dalli, in agreement with President Barroso, used the so-called written procedure to authorise this crop so as to avoid a debate in the College of Commissioners. The genetically engineered potato (known as Amflora) developed by German agro-chemical company BASF contains a gene that confers resistance to certain antibiotics. Greenpeace warns that this GM crop poses an unacceptable risk to human and animal health, as well as to the environment.

thanks to Greenpeace European Unit