EU Agreement on Easing of GMO Rules - EU lifts strict GMO rules for some gene-edited crops in landmark deal
Genetically modified foods could soon appear on EU supermarket shelves without special labels. A late-night deal in Brussels has relaxed long-standing rules on biotech crops, allowing some gene-edited plants to bypass strict GMO regulations. The agreement was struck between EU member states and the European Parliament on Wednesday evening. It exempts certain genetically modified crops—specifically those with minor genetic tweaks—from existing GMO laws, including mandatory labelling. Plants classified as NGT Category 1, with up to 20 genetic changes, will now be treated like conventional crops. These modifications are considered too small to warrant the same oversight as traditional GMOs. However, stricter rules and labelling will remain for other gene-edited plants outside this category. Several EU countries had pushed for the change, arguing that the old regulations were too restrictive. The new rules aim to balance innovation in farming with continued safety checks for more complex genetic edits. The deal means some gene-edited foods will no longer need special labels in EU stores. Farmers and producers may now adopt certain genetically modified crops more easily. The shift follows years of debate over how to regulate newer biotech methods in European agriculture.
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