EU facing WTO sanctions over GM crops ban

The EU is facing the prospect of trade sanctions after the passing of a deadline for the lifting of a ban on some imports of genetically modified food. Argentina, Canada and the US could now push for punitive measures against the bloc at the World Trade Organisation for refusing to accept their exports.

A decision on whether to seek new sanctions could come as early as Monday. France, in particular, is concerned about a type of maize developed in America, MON 810. Last month, France, pressured by consumers, suspended the use of the crop in order to look into the environmental and health implications of its use.

The US and other countries insist its perfectly safe. France has activated a so-called ‘safeguard clause’ and must now prove to the European Commission that its fears about MON 810 are valid.

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