Brussels, 10 September 2008

Brussels, 10 September 2008 - Euro Coop, the European Community of Consumer Cooperatives, criticises the European Commission (EC) decision to authorise the import of the GM soybean strain known as A2704-12 and developed by the German group Bayer CropScience. The bean can now be imported into EU markets and processed by European companies for use in food and animal feed. In this regard, Euro Coop remarks that the scientific community is still very much divided over the mid and long-term effects that the use of GMOs could have on human health and the environment, as well as on their economic and social impacts. It then considers this choice taken by the EU's executive as rash as it fails to comply with the application of the precautionary principle in scientific-based policies.

Euro Coop also recalls that a strong majority of European consumers have repeatedly shown concerns about GM biotechnology and considers accordingly that a similar decision could undermine their confidence in the EC's capacity to respond to their needs and wishes. Euro Coop is also worried about increasing difficulties which could be encountered to ensure strict traceability of food and feed products containing the A2704-12GM bean and the consequent danger that this could represent for a true consumer choice. In this respect, it believes that it is time to start a more open debate with consumers on such a delicate topic. Euro Coop also wishes to stress that EU agriculture ministers themselves remain sharply divided over this subject and puts into question the EU provision allowing the EC to rubberstamp GMO authorisations when ministers cannot agree after a certain time.

Euro Coop ultimately believes that consumers concerns and demands should always be at the heart of European decision-making processes. It emphasises the need for further independent research stemming from increased public funding and advises caution until the scientific community overcomes divisions on mid and long-term risks deriving from GMOs in human health and the environment.

EURO COOP is the European Community of Consumer Cooperatives, whose members are the national organisations of consumer cooperatives in 18 European countries. Created in 1957, EURO COOP today represents over 3,200 local and regional cooperatives, the members of which amount to more than 25 million consumers across Europe.

For more information please contact:

Rosita Zilli, Policy Adviser, Euro Coop
Tel: +32 (0)2 285 00 72
E-mail: rzilliateurocoop.coop