1.PM: France To Ban Strain Of Genetically Modified Corn
2.France says extends ban on GMO crop
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1. PM: France To Ban Strain Of Genetically Modified Corn
AFP, January 11 2008
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djhighlights/200801111633DOWJONESDJONLINE000777.htm

PARIS (AFP)--France decided Friday to invoke a European Union safeguard procedure to bar a strain of genetically modified corn after a watchdog said it had doubts about the product, the prime minister's office said.

The government was invoking the procedure 'until European authorities reevaluate the authorization on commercialization' of the product, the prime minister's office said in a statement.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Thursday he was working with Prime Minister Francois Fillon toward a decision on suspending the Monsanto 810 maize.

France's Provisional High Authority on GM Organisms said Wednesday it had ' serious doubts' as to the safety of Mon 810, which is the only genetically modified crop grown in France.
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2. France says extends ban on GMO crop
REUTERS, Jan 12 2008
http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-31365420080111

PARIS (Reuters) - France will activate a safeguard clause that will effectively prohibit the growing of the sole genetically modified (GMO) crop grown in France, Prime Minister Francois Fillon's office said in a statement on Friday.

Last month, France suspended the commercial use of MON 810, a maize developed by U.S. biotech giant Monsanto, in order to look into the environmental and health implications of its use.

A government-appointed committee of scientists, farmers, politicians and non-governmental organisations said on Wednesday 'serious doubts' remained over whether MON 810 could be cultivated without risks for consumers and the environment.

'The government is starting the procedure ... in order to activate the safeguard clause on the growth of GMO maize MON 810, until the reevaluation by the European authorities of the authorisation and sale of this GMO,' the statement said.

(Reporting by Anna Willard)