Ban on altered crops

a number of European countries have refused to support an attempt by the European Commission to prohibit national import bans on genetically engineered maize by Novartis, the multinational agrochemical company. Maize imported by Novartis ge contains a bt toxin which is designed to ward off pests.

"Wherever genetically-engineered organisms and food is concerned, the European Commission has so far bowed to the genetic engineering industries and the trade interests of the us . This only reveals that the Commission has complete disregard for the protection of the environment and public health," said Isabelle Meister, who is working with Greenpeace, the environmental pressure group.