In 2008, France took the decision to ban the MON810 genetically modified maize.
In 2009, Germany joined this approach by taking the same decision.
We remind you that the MON810 genetically modified maize is the only GMO authorized for cultivation in the EU.

Letter addressed to the European Commission from International Group for Interdisciplinary Studies Bedousses Bas 30450 AUJAC-France – 2008.
The Statement of France addressed to the EU member states, for supporting the ban on the MON810 genetically modified maize.
Legal briefing for the ban of MON810 genetically modified corn – addressed to Romania.
Scientific comments of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the MON810 genetically modified maize.
Critical comments on the assessment made by the EFSA on the MON810 genetically modified maize - 2009

Austria – Scientific study on the effects of the NK603xMON810 genetically modified maize on mammal health. The study was commissioned by the Austrian Government and reveals various negative effects on guinea pigs.

Open letter to the Romanian authorities, from 11 Romanian NGOs.
The subject of the letter refers to the newest impact assessment study on health of the NK603xMON810 genetically modified maize.

The Hungarian Government commissioned environmental impact assessment studies on the MON810 genetically modified maize. This maize variety was created by Monsanto, to withstand the Ostrinia nubilialis pest. The study was coordinated by Professor Darvas Bela, and its’ results led to the ban of this variety on the territory of Hungary starting from January 2005, despite the fact that the variety can be cultivated in the EU.
The conclusions of the study showed that most varieties of Lepidoptere (butterflies) as well as other organisms are sensitive to the Bt toxin produced by the plant and put many doubts regarding the side effects that this toxin might have. Starting this year, this genetically modified variety is also cultivated in Romania.

The conclusions of the study made by Professor Darvas.
Letter of Persanyi Miklos – the Environment Protection Ministry of Hungary towards the European Commission – DG Environment.

Report that investigates the safety of Monsanto’s NK603 genetically modified maize. This maize was genetically modified to tolerate a herbicide made also by Monsanto.
In 2004, this maize was approved for import, human and animal consumption in Europe. It is cultivated on testing fields in our continent.
The study coordinated by CRIIGEN analyzed the tests on NK603 maize made by Monsanto. The scientific investigations showed that the lab rats fed with this GM maize, showed differences at the liver, brain and heart, and significant weight differences compared to rats fed with conventional maize. 70 significant statistical differences were observed and reported – 12 hematological parameters, 18 chemo-clinical parameters, 9 chemical parameters of urine, 6 for internal organ weight (brain, heart, and liver), 14 for body weight changes and 8 for food consumption. These can show toxicity signs, butt more tests are needed for confirmation.
This is the second case involving GM maize from Monsanto. The first, known as MON863 was the subject of an assessment study published in March 2007 and also showed toxicity signs in the liver and kidneys of guinea pigs which were fed with this product, on a period of 3 months. (see “MON863 assessment reveals toxicity on guinea pigs”, 19th of March 2007 http://biosafety-info.net/bioart.php?bid=447)
The last research on the impact of GM food already approved in the EU on health and the lack of independent tests casts doubt over the way these products are verified by the European authorities, before being approved for consumption and marketing.
Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini from the CRIIGEN, Caen University and the French Biotechnology Commission (Commission du Genie Biomoleculaire, CGB) declared: “The statistical analysis should be repeated by independent experts and the real data should be posted on a website so scientific community could involve. If the results are not clear detailed studies are needed.”
The CRIIGEN report is available at Mr. Seralini, 40 rue de Monceau, 75008 PARIS, or by email at Katherine Mill, katharine.mill@diala.greenpeace.org. Also, it will be posted on the CRIIGEN site: http://www.criigen.org/
The complete analysis of the study cand be downloaded here: http://biosafety-info.net/article.php?aid=467

The study demonstrated the serious pathological deviations on guinea pigs fed with genetically modified soya (GTS 40-3-2), resistant to the Roundup Ready herbicide of the Monsanto company. There were reported changes in the internal organs (liver, kidney and testicles) as well as on a cellular level of the guinea pigs. GM soya also was found to be responsible for infant mortality, increase of aggressivity and the loss of the maternal instinct of the studied guinea pigs.
This type of soya is cultivated in Romania since 1998. Officially, the cultivation of this plant was banned when Romania adhered to the EU. Unofficially, the GM soya is still on the lands.

The observations of the study were given to REGNUM Press Center and can be found at: http://www.regnum.ru/english/526651.html

Berlin/Paris, 13th of March, 2007 – For the first time after the authorization of GMO for food, an independent study shows toxicity signs in the liver and kidneys of the guinea pigs fed with MON863 genetically modified maize. The guinea pigs were fed with this product for 3 months.
The study, published in the journal entitled “Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology” analyzed the results of the safety tests made by Monsanto when the company wanted to authorize MON863 maize on the European market.
The data shows that MOB863 presents significant health risks. Nevertheless, the European Commission authorized it for food and feed production. MON863 was reevaluated by a team of experts led by professor Gilles Eric Seralini, a governmental expert in genetic engineering techniques from the Caen University.
At the press conference of the study release professor Seralini said that: “Monsanto analysis are not rigorous, and the statistical protocols are uncertain. Worse, the company didn’t conduct enough analysis on the weight differences of the tested animals. Crucial data from urine analysis, which indicates the level of toxicity in the kidneys, were offered by the Monsanto study itself.”
The targeted data was an intense debate subject since 2003, when major changes were identified in the blood of the tested animals fed with MON863 maize. The variety was authorized by the European Commission, although the majority of the State Members opposed and presented their concern regarding the safety of this maize variety. The study of professor Seralini scientifically confirms these worries. As the study shows “the present data is not enough to conclude that GM maize is a safe product.” Nevertheless, MON863 was authorized for marketing in the EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, The Philippines and the United States of America.
The GM maize named MON863 produces an insecticide named “Crz3Bb1” and it’s capable to kill a pest called (Diabrotica virgifera). This GM maize also contains an antibiotic resistance gene. The European Commission accorded the usage authorization on MON863 as animal feed in august, 2005 and for food production in January 2006.
There are other scientific observations made by other scientists.

The following documents can be viewed:
CRIIGEN Report – MON863
The conclusions of Professor Arpad Pusztai
Greenpeace report on MON810 maize

This variety is approved for import in the EU, for feed use and processing. The GMO Scientific Committee of the European Food Safety Authority gave a favorable opinion for this request and is proposed for approval. The GT73 genetically modified canola is tested in severl European countries.

Comments can be viewed here: http://www.i-sis.org.uk/NTGMORGT73.php, it contains several scientific motivations regarding why the plant shouldn’t be authorized for large scale cultivation.

Scientists show their concerns regarding the impact of GMOs on biodiversity, food security human and animal health and request for the imposition of a moratorium under the precautionary principle.
Scientists oppose genetically modified organisms, which will generate and intensify corporate monopoly, exacerbate inequality and will prevent the development of a sustainable agriculture which could assure food security all over the world.
Scientists request the banning of life form patenting, which threatens food security, condemns indigenous experience and knowledge, genetic resources and violate basic rights and human dignity.
Scientists want more support for sustainable agriculture research and development that benefits farmers from around the world.
The letter can be viewed here.