Reactions against the GM potato from Romania

3 March, 2010. Yesterday, the European Commission authorized for commercial growing a genetically
modified potato, which contains an antibiotic resistant marker gene. The pulic was let down by EU's
new Consumer Chief through this unprecedented decision. The EU hasn't authorized for cultivation,
any new GMO in the last 12 years.

The GM potato Amflora (EH92-527-1), was set up by the German chemical company BASF, in order to
produce more starch in the form of Amylopectin which can be industrially processed to manufacture
textiles, paper and concrete. Yesterday, Amflora received all permits required by BASF: commercial
cultivation for industrial use and starch by-products as feed. This is the first decision to approve a new
GMO in Europe since 1998, the date of authorization of the MON810 maize.