Some clarity is needed here.
The B2 in question is produced by a GMO. In fact, all 'pure' B2 is produced by GMOs. The product in question did not comply with EU regulatory requirements concerning its declared quality with respect to GM content.
The EU has not declared itself GMO free. In fact, regulations exist for the authorisation of GMOs for food and feed use. Of course, the safety bar is set very high and there is little appetite amongst consumers for such products which is probably why there aren't any.
Dear David,
Thanks a lot for your consideration about it. We have appreciated so much your participation.
The GMO use in the EU has been limited. According with EFSA, "the frequency of unintended changes may differ between breeding techniques and their occurrence cannot be predicted and needs to be assessed case by case," "similar hazards can be associated with cisgenic and conventionally bred plants, while novel hazards can be associated with intragenic and transgenic plants." In other words, cisgenic approaches, which introduce genes from the same species, should be considered similar in risk to conventional breeding approaches, whilst transgenic plants can come with new hazards. In 2015 Germany, Poland, France, Scotland and several other member states opted out of cultivating GMO crops in their territory.
Reports on the implementation of the GMO legislation can be found here.
Publication of Commission Directive (EU) 2018/350 of 8 March 2018 amending Directive 2001/18/EC, concerning the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of GMOs.
The Commission Directive (EU) 2018/350 of 8 March 2018 amending Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified organisms was published on 9 March 2018. This measure brings the requirements on ERA up to date with developments in scientific knowledge and technical progress, while building on the EFSA Guidance Document for the ERA of plants. The measure enters into force on 29 March 2018. EU countries shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 29 September 2019 at the latest.
Publication of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1790 of 16 November 2018, repealing Decision 2002/623/EC, establishing guidance notes on the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified organisms.
The Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1790 of 16 November 2018 repealing Decision 2002/623/EC was published in the Official Journal of the EU, on 20 November 2018.