The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on Monday (21 May) rejected a French attempt to ban a genetically modified strain of maize developed by US-based Monsanto.

In its opinion, EFSA said that the French authorities had failed to provide “any new science-based evidence” that the maize poses a risk to health or the environment.

France asked the European Commission in February to suspend its approval of Mon810, which is genetically engineered to repel pests. France attempted to enact a national ban on the crop in 2008, but this was overturned by a French court last year.

Based on the EFSA opinion, the Commission will now take a decision on whether a ban is justified.

The issue of GM crops is still dividing the EU. A Commission proposal to allow member states to enact national bans is stalled in the Council of Minister, where member states are evenly divided.

A compromise text drafted by Denmark, the current holder of the Council of Ministers’ rotating presidency, was discussed by environment ministers in March but failed to break the deadlock. Talks on the issue will not resume until Cyprus takes over from Denmark on 1 July.

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