Statement of USTR Spokesman Richard Mills on EC announcement on biotech
10/17/2002
"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."