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An analysis by John Davison

Director of Research (retired) INRA Versailles

On the 6^th of September the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) made a judgement concerning the presence of pollen from the genetically modified Monsanto maize MON810 in honey.

The ECJ decision classified pollen, in honey, as an ingredient, rather than as an ‘adventitious and technically unavoidable presence’ as under Regulation 1829/2003. This has grave implications for continued honey production in the EU. Separate authorizations would be necessary for each GM-crop cultivated in the EU. Neither of the two GMOs cultivated in Europe (MON810 maize or Amflora potato) have such authorizations at the present time.

Consequently, any honey containing GM-pollen must be withdrawn from the market while awaiting authorization, and all honey must be subjected to the considerable costs of GMO quantification, which will be particularly high due to the zero tolerance imposed by the ECJ. Thus will drive up the price of honey and cause most small amateur bee-keepers to go out of business. The situation for imported honey is similar, or worse, since most source countries USA, Canada, South America and China also grow GM-crops many of which do not have EC authorizations.

Finally, the ECJ decision will likely put an end to GMO field trials in Europe, which are necessary for food and feed security in the EU.

To read the full article, click here                          J. Davison's previous article