WASHINGTON, June 20 (UPI) -- Talks with Europe on accepting genetically modified foods from the United States broke down in Geneva Friday.
European officials maintain the long-term effects of altered food remained uncertain -- a belief disputed by the Bush administration, the New York Times said.
Richard Mills, a spokesman for the U.S. trade delegation said scientific research has shown genetically altered crops to be safe, and that the European Union "denies choices to European consumers."
In response, EU representatives said they were disappointed by the administration's publicizing of the dispute.
Genetically modified food -- which are designed to grow faster, be resistant to insects and produce more desirable traits -- have caused little controversy in the United States. Nearly 40 percent of all corn planted is genetically modified.
The food dispute comes as tensions linger over the war in Iraq, which many European countries opposed.
