French Senate gives final approval on GMO corn ban

(http://www.reuters.com) Genetically modified organisms (GMO) have been linked to environmental issues, such as increased pesticide usage, superweeds and loss of biodiversity, and health problems like liver and kidney damage and tumor formation. For these reasons, France has already placed multiple temporary bans on GMO corn from being cultivated in the country.

France recently took another step in protecting the health of its citizens. On Monday, the French Senate gave final approval to a law prohibiting the cultivation of any GMO corn. The law applies to all current GMO corn varieties as well as any that might be approved by the European Union in the future.

Also on Monday, France's highest court "rejected an emergency procedure begun by French growers to annul [a] decree banning MON810 maize," Reuters reported. That ban was instated earlier this year to prevent farmers from planting GMO corn before a full ban could be approved.