WTO ruled that EU violated regulations on genetically modified food

The World Trade Organization (WTO) officially approved the ruling that European countries violated international trade regulations when suspending import of genetically modified food.

Argentina, Canada and the United States - countries that have brought this controversial issue to the WTO - said the WTO decision proves that there is no scientific evidence to justify the ban on the importation of the European Union's biological food. Europe (EU) and that is an unfair barrier for manufacturers who want to export bio-food to Europe. The three countries urged the EU to immediately implement laws on so-called GM foods.

(Photo: esmas.com) US Ambassador Peter Allgeier told the WTO Dispute Settlement Commission that the EU "has maintained this irrational trade barrier, hindered US exports and the use of the technology. Global capital promises to bring great benefits to farmers and consumers around the world ".

However, the EU immediately expressed its willingness to ignore the WTO's ruling and said it had lifted the ban in 2004, allowing it to enter the EU market with genetically modified sweet corn varieties, mostly grown in the US - and then many crops using biotechnology. EU trade negotiator Raimund Raith said: "The majority of the Commission's conclusions on dispute settlement are impractical. There is no evidence that the EU is maintaining a ban on the import of genetically modified food." .

Genetically modified food is a highly sensitive product on both sides of the Atlantic. European governments such as Germany and France, as well as many environmental organizations, argue that many such crops are not safe for humans and the environment.