Evizda

In a decision denounced by green groups, European Union environment ministers on Thursday approved a proposal to give individual member states the authority to ban genetically modified crops that have received EU Commission approval.

But, as Bloomberg noted, “The draft law aims to accelerate endorsements at EU level of requests to plant gene-altered seeds made by companies such as Monsanto.”

Friends of the Earth Europe criticized the vote as “a poisoned chalice which could open Europe’s fields to more biotech crop.”

“It is unacceptable that companies like Monsanto will be given the first say in any decision to ban their products,” stated Mute Schimpf, food campaigner for the organization. “Governments must be able to ban unwanted and risky GM crops without needing the permission of the companies who profit from them.”

Also criticizing the approval were the Greens in the European Parliament, who called the ruling a compromise that is “a Trojan horse.”

Like Friends of the Earth’s position, Green food safety spokesperson Bart Staes said the decision “risks finally opening the door to genetically-modified organisms across Europe, in spite of mass public opposition.”