EU environment experts failed to agree on approving a new type of genetically modified maize (GMO) made by US giant Monsanto, again revealing their deep divisions over biotech foods, officials said on Monday. Eight countries - Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Portugal and Estonia - voted in favour of approving MON 863 maize, while 12 voted against and five abstained.
Italy and Poland were two of the big states voting against the proposal. Rome is a staunch opponent of genetically modified products over health and environmental fears.
"There was an indicative vote. It goes to council (of ministers). This will probably be for the March meeting," a Commission official told reporters.
Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Belgium abstained, leaving the committee unable to register an opinion for or against the biotech maize.
The meeting was the European Commission's second attempt at persuading member governments to approve MON 863 maize, modified to resist the corn rootworm insect.
The lack of a decision on approving imports of the maize means that the matter passes to ministers, who will have three months to debate the Commission's proposal.
If they cannot agree, the Commission may adopt its proposal.
Monsanto's requested use is for processing into animal feed and for industrial processing, not for growing.
Since November 2003, the EU executive has asked EU states eight times to approve a GMO food or feed product. In seven cases, their attempts failed, while for MON 863 maize - the most recent - the vote was postponed after a lengthy debate.
In September only a handful of countries favoured approving imports of MON 863 maize, with a large number indicating they would abstain, when called upon. There was no formal vote.
Also on Monday's agenda is a discussion on whether to order five countries to end national bans on GMO crops and foods.
Between 1997 and 2000, Austria, France, Germany, Greece and Luxembourg used a legal provision to prohibit specific GMOs on national territory, focusing on three maize and two rapeseed types already approved before the EU's moratorium began.