After a contentious debate, the European Union has put off decision that would allow Syngentas genetically modified sweetcorn Bt11 for human and animal consumption. It would have been the first GMO to be be approved since 1998. "A fierce discussion took place today," said the Commission spokesman, who briefed reporters about the debate that took place in an EU specialist committee.</p><p><a href="http://www.dw-world.de/english/0,3367,1430_A_1026559_1_A,00.html">EU Postpones Decision on Allowing GM Foods Deutsche Welle 10.11.2003</a></p><p><a href="http://www.saveourseeds.org/downloads/reuters_10_11_03.pdf">Reuters</a></p><p><a href="http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=8733">Background, Food Navigator - GMO authorisations the state of play</a></p><p><a href="http://www.saveourseeds.org/downloads/eu_approval_scheme.pdf">Background: EU GMO approval scheme</a>