EU environment ministers from member states have failed to reach an agreement over whether or not to approve the application by US biotech giant Monsanto to sell a type of genetically modified oilseed rape in the EU.

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Ministers were asked to vote on the application after experts from member states also failed to reach an agreement earlier this year. Their failure to either approve or deny the application means that the European Commission will now take the final decision.


The oilseed in question, GT73, was developed by Monsanto to resist its own brand of herbicide. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has supported the application; however, the UK’s Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment has said it not satisfied with the explanation that Monsanto has provided for the observed increased liver weight in rats fed GT73.

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