The European Commission authorized a genetically modified (GM) soybean for use in food and animal feed, following the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) scientific assessment concluding that “it is as safe as its conventional counterpart.”

“This comprehensive and stringent assessment procedure ensures a high level of protection of human and animal health, and of the environment,” the Commission said in an announcement.

The Commission's decision only allows this genetically modified soybean to be imported for use in food and animal feed, but not to be cultivated in the EU.

The authorization is valid for 10 years, and any product produced from this genetically modified soybean will be subject to the EU's strict labelling and traceability rules.

Although the announcement does not mention which soybean has been approved, the European Commission renewed the approval of GM soybean MON 87708 from Bayer after an EFSA positive assessment on July 4.

It also has an open consultation for GM soybean DBN9004 from Beijing DaBeiNong Biotechnology Co., Ltd., which has already been considered as “safe for use in human and animal nutrition” by the EFSA.

Check out the list of GM crops that are registered or pending approval by the European Commission here.