EU Member States are set to get more freedom to decide on the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in food and feed.

The move comes following a review of the decision-making process for the authorisation of GMOs.

This review derives from the Political Guidelines presented to the European Parliament in July 2014, on the basis of which this Commission was elected.

As a result of this review, the Commission proposes to amend the legislation to confer upon Member States more freedom to restrict, or prohibit the use of EU-authorised GMOs in food or feed on their territory.

Health and Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis said he is pleased to deliver on one of the important commitments taken by this Commission, reviewing the legislation on the decision-making process on GMOs.

“The Commission has listened to the concerns of many European citizens, reflected in the positions expressed by their national governments.

“Once adopted, today’s proposal will, fully in line with the principle of subsidiarity, grant Member States a greater say as regards the use of EU- authorised GMOs in food and feed on their respective territories,” he said.