"The health risks of genetically modified maize have not been conclusively examined," Fischer said.

The government office responsible for plant and species classification will rule on the maize in question, known as BT maize, on Friday.

BT maize has been altered in a laboratory to resist corn-borer insects and tolerate herbicide. It relies on a gene that causes it to express a toxin, known as BT, that kills corn-borer insects. Corn-borers cause billions of dollars in crop damage in the northern hemisphere.

In 1996 Austria banned another modified strain of maize produced by Novartis.

Producers of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, argue the technology offers agriculture advantages such as heightened resistance to plant disease and yield increases that could help to solve the world's future food problems.

Opponents say not enough is known about their impact on health and the environment to justify their widespread use.

Wide public mistrust and lobbying against the technology in Europe has led to a virtual shutdown of European Union approvals of new GMOs and few supermarket and restaurant chains stock genetically altered products.

"The health risks of genetically modified maize have not been conclusively examined," Fischer said.

The government office responsible for plant and species classification will rule on the maize in question, known as BT maize, on Friday.

BT maize has been altered in a laboratory to resist corn-borer insects and tolerate herbicide. It relies on a gene that causes it to express a toxin, known as BT, that kills corn-borer insects. Corn-borers cause billions of dollars in crop damage in the northern hemisphere.

In 1996 Austria banned another modified strain of maize produced by Novartis.

Producers of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, argue the technology offers agriculture advantages such as heightened resistance to plant disease and yield increases that could help to solve the world's future food problems.

Opponents say not enough is known about their impact on health and the environment to justify their widespread use.