Reuters | January 12, 2000 | Michael Mann
BRUSSELS - U.S. assistant secretary of state David Sandalow, visiting Brussels, was cited as telling reporters Wed. that if the European Union pushes for food safety controls on genetically modified plants it will scupper negotiations on environmental dangers, adding that, "The (BioSafety) Protocol is intended to focus on the effects of trade in GMOs on biodiversity. If it becomes a debate on food safety we cannot succeed. Food safety discussions are more appropriate in other forums."
Sandalow, whose brief covers the oceans, the environment and scientific affairs, was cited as uring the EU to look at environmental and nutritional benefits of biotechnology rather than stressing potential risks.
