Reuters | January 12, 2000
BERNE - The Swiss cabinet was cited as deciding Wednesday against banning release of genetically modified organisms, what officials and industry sources described as an interim victory for the Swiss pharmaceutical industry.
Industry sources were further cited as saying that issues still open include a proposal for a "need clause" for genetically altered products, as well as whether to lengthen the liability period on such products, said.
The story added that the cabinet is expected to address these elements of the draft legislation next week.
Swiss industry believes the latest proposals clash with Switzerland's liberal approach to biotech research and prevailing popular opinion.
In 1998, Swiss voters rejected by a two-to-one vote a referendum which would have outlawed production of transgenetic animals and would have forbidden release of genetically altered plants and animals into the environment.
The story notes that opting against a ban or moratorium will keep Swiss laws governing GMOs in line with European Union rules, and the draft legislation also requires products containing genetically altered products to be clearly labeled.
