Genetic Engineering

Swiss to Import Modified Corn

January 7, 1998
in Financial Times (London)
by William Hall (Zurich)
Switzerland, which is due to hold a referendum on curbing genetic engineering later this year, has fallen into line with the majority of European Union members and approved the import of genetically altered corn for use as a foodstuff or as animal feed. Wednesday Swiss federal health and agricultural authorities yesterday approved the import of Novartis's genetically improved Bt corn. The decision followed approvals from the EU and US where more than 1m hectares of Bt corn have already been planted.

The EU approved Novartis's Bt corn in November 1996, but Austria and Luxembourg have continued to ban imports because of widespread public anxiety.

Novartis's new type of genetically engineered corn has built-in protection against insects, such as the corn borer, which can cause severe damage to crops. Novartis argues that it is more environmentally friendly than some other types of genetically altered corn since it reduces the use of pesticides. However, Novartis has not yet applied for approval of Bt corn for cultivation in Switzerland.

Swiss opinion polls have shown most Swiss consumers do not want food made with genetically altered substances. The Swiss chapter of the World Wild Life Fund said yesterday that it was "astounded by the indifference" of the Swiss health authorities.

Swiss pharmaceutical companies welcomed the government's acknowledgement that genetically altered corn was as safe as conventional corn. They believe it is a sign that the Swiss government is preparing to give a firmer lead in the genetic engineering debate.

Switzerland is to hold a referendum in 1998 on whether to ban use of transgenic animals in research.

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