Environmental sustainability or commercial viability? : The evolution of the EC regulation on genetically modified foods

Abstract

In October 1995 the Council of Ministers of the European Community finally agreed a common position on a regulation on novel foods and food ingredients. Environmental, organic agricultural and consumer and health concerns have been voiced over the production and marketing of genetically modified foods. Member States, the Commission and the European Parliament (EP) have disputed the regulation's scope, procedure and labelling provisions. The common position can be seen as a compromise and a partial victory for the commercial interests and producers, and for the Commission's policy of promoting biotechnology, at the expense of advocates of environmentally sustainable and organic agriculture. Further conflict is likely as it returns to the EP.