BioWorld International Correspondent

BRUSSELS, Belgium - European Union member states failed yet again to deliver an opinion on the authorization of biotech products, when the EU's specialized committee returned no definitive opinion either for or against proposals to authorize two genetically modified maize varieties June 8.

EU officials had proposed authorization for 10 years for two GMOs for food and feed use, and for import and processing, but not for cultivation.

The proposals concerned hybrid maizes - 1507xNK603 (from Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc, a DuPont subsidiary, in conjunction with Dow AgroSciences' subsidiary Mycogen Seeds), and Monsanto's NK603xMON810.

The products have received positive safety assessments from the European Food Safety Authority.

But the stalemate in the expert committee means that the authorization measures now will be sent to the EU Council of Ministers.

If the council does not reach a position within three months, the proposals will be sent back to EU officials for final adoption.