While in Germany people still occupy fields that are used to release genetically engineered plants, while in Austria a two-year moratorium on the release of genetically engineered plants has just been passed, the Commission of the European Community has presented the European population with facts. The importation will start in autumn 1996. There will be no labelling. . The soybean has been genetically modified in order to become resistant to Monsanto's herbicide Roundup. Every year, the European import about 15 million tons of Soybeans, of which 60 percent come from the United states. 5.5 million tons go to Germany.
Soybeans are part of at least one third of all foods.
Soybeans are used in sauces, pastes, nuts, pies and cookies, instant milk beverages, sweers, soups, meat and fish product. From the soybeans lecithin is extracted, that is used in Cocoa drinks, milk mix drinks and milk powder, ice cream, vitamin compounds, cosmetic articles, colours and adhesives. Oil and fat are used in nuitrition oil, backing fats, mayonnaise, fried frozen foods, salad dressings and margarine. And 80 percent of the bruised grain is used as fodder. The three big food manufacturers Unilever, Nestle and Danone have, according to Greenpeace announced, that they will introduce genetically engineered soybeans into their assortment.