"U.S. food safety is second to none. Americans have been eating biotech-enhanced foods for years with no problems.

"While we appreciate today's announcement by the European Commission, it remains unclear whether it will lead to any real change. The moratorium has been a result of decisions taken by a number of EU Member States, and only they can end it - through an immediate, unconditional and unambiguous statement that the biotech approvals process is restarting now.

"The EU's four year moratorium on approving biotech foods is illegal under both EU and international law. The moratorium is based on politics - not science; it prevents consumer choice; and its ripple effects abroad have prevented food distribution to starving peoples in the developing world."