EU REGULATORS have failed to grant a licence for Pioneer’s 1507 genetically modified maize, despite the fact the product has been deemed “as safe as any conventional maize” by the commission’s scientific advisers.

The European Food Safety Authority declared last week that 1507 maize, which is both insect and herbicide resistant, posed no threat to human or animal health. For the first time, it also agreed that the GM maize was suitable for cultivation on EU farms.

But, as has become the norm in recent months, member state representatives on the regulatory committee were split on whether or not to approve the licence application.

The EU commission may now pass the application to the agriculture council for consideration.