Genetically modified rape blazes trail for industry and regulators

The European Community is set to grant marketing approval to the first genetically engineered major crop to reach commercialisation. The Belgian firm Plant Genetic Systems (PGS) intends to market its oilseed rape first in the UK, and the Department of the Environment (DoE) has given its consent despite objections from environmentalists that the long-term implications are being ignored. The product has also highlighted a series of gaps in the official mechanisms for scrutinising and approving such products.