Austria refuses to take GM maize order lying down

12 September 1997

Austria refuses to take GM maize order lying down

Austria is considering suing the European Commission (EC) after it was
told to lift its import bans on genetically altered maize. It is also
contemplating defying the ban leaving the Commission with the option of
filing charges. Italy and Luxembourg were also ordered to lift their
bans.

The EC said it would conduct further studies to see whether the maize
would enhance resistance against parasites. It said Austria had not provided
any new scientific evidence that would justify a ban. The Commission approved the Novartis maize in January.