by Playfuls Staff |
30th September 2006
The World Trade Organization said European countries were within their rights to ban genetically modified foods [more] on health and environmental grounds.
The organization, which sets rules for global trade and resolves disputes among member states, left in place government rules without saying if genetically modified foods are dangerous.
Environmental groups said the report showed the WTO was not fit to judge disputes of this kind, The Financial Times reported.
Adrian Bebb, a campaigner against genetically modified foods at Friends of the Earth Europe, called the dispute "a pointless exercise."
U.S. consumers readily buy genetically modified products, but European consumers are generally suspicious of what some call "Frankenfoods," the newspaper said.
U.S. and European Union officials said they would study the WTO report before deciding on any appeal. They have 60 days to do so.
Diplomats said a European appeal was unlikely since the ruling left its current system of approvals in place.
© 2006 UPI
