May 24, 2000 / Reuters / Tony Austin
STOCKHOLM -- Sweden on Wednesday was cited as ordering genetically modified (GM) rapeseed crops sown this year to be destroyed by July 7 unless farmers obtained special approval before that date.
The board was cited as saying that it had taken its decision on the Hyola 38 brand after consulting Swedish genetic engineering and environment agencies, universities and farmers, adding, "The decision means the crops must be destroyed by July 7 at the latest unless a permit for the intentional seeding has been obtained by then."
The board's general director Ingbritt Irhammar was quoted as saying, "Safety measures are rigorous for the testing of genetically modified plants. That's why it is important not to treat safety lightly in this case. We must be able to trust that what is described as GMO-free really is."
(posted without permission)
