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Austrians want labelling and strict rules for new GMOs
92 percent of the respondents demand that food, feed and seeds from new genetic engineering be just as strictly controlled and tested for health and ecological risks as products from "old" genetic engineering. Finally, 70 percent of Austrians are against a simplified and faster approval of food, seed and feed containing new genetic engineering.
Background to the survey: EU deregulation plans
The survey in Austria, which is traditionally particularly critical of GMOs, took place against the background of an ongoing initiative of the EU Commission, which more or less openly aims at deregulating new GMOs. The Austrian Retail Association, together with ARGE Gentechnikfrei and the environmental organisation Global 2000, opposes these plans on behalf of Austrian consumers.
Clear signal to Austrian government and EU Commission
"With their almost unanimous vote, the people of Austria are sending a very clear signal to Brussels against the deregulation of GMOs," VLOG Managing Director Alexander Hissting comments on the survey results. "Add to this the consistent and vocal support from trade, the GMO-free economy and environmental protection: The Austrian government, but also the EU Commission, must take this seriously."
Already more than 270,000 supporters for online petition
The Austrian Retail Association also supports the Europe-wide online petition against the deregulation of GMOs, which is running in Austria under the catchy slogan "Pickerl drauf!" ["Put a label on it!"] The petition now has more than 270,000 supporters.
GMO survey of by the Austrian Trade Retail Association (July/August 2022, in German)