The European Commission proposed a framework yesterday to replace Europe’s three-year moratorium on approving new genetically modified foods. The proposed rules would require labels on all approved biotech foods and testing for the presence of genetically modified organisms at each stage of the production chain. The commission tried to dodge one bullet — in this glorious era of globalization, small amounts of genetically modified foods from who-knows-where often mix accidentally with non-biotech foods. What to do? The commission recommended that foods with trace amounts of unapproved genetically modified ingredients be permitted into the E.U. market. Enviros, as well as some European officials, said the rules were a giveaway to corporations. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Ministry in Brazil said yesterday it was poised to approve the sale of genetically modified soybeans in the country, which up to now has been one of the few places in the world where such foods are banned.
