On June 8, 2016, Members of the European Parliament ("MEPs") objected by 430 votes to 188 with 33 abstentions, to an EC decision authorizing the import, distribution, and retailing of cut flowers of the genetically modified ("GM") carnation SHD-27531-4, which is resistant to sulfonylurea herbicide, for ornamental use. MEPs also objected, by 426 votes to 202 with 33 abstentions, to a separate proposal to authorize the sale of products containing, consisting of, or produced from GM maize Bt11 × MIR162 × MIR604 × GA21, and their combinations. MEPs argued that authorizing GM carnations would encourage the use of a diabetes medicine as a herbicide, and authorizing GM maize, resistant to glyphosate, would encourage the sale of a maize classified as "probably carcinogenic" by the World Health Organization.

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