Efforts by Monsanto to introduce genetically modified maize into the European Union hit a fresh roadblock yesterday when member states upheld bans imposed by Austria and Hungary. The European Commission had pushed them to drop the ban on MON810, a variety of genetically modified (GMO) maize produced by Monsanto, the world's largest seed producer, after its scientific panel determined that it posed no health risk. Only four states - the UK, Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden - supported the proposal in a vote by environment ministers. A separate measure to rescind an Austrian ban on a variety of GM maize produced by Ger-many's Bayer was also defeated by a wide margin. The votes forcefully asserted the right of member states to block GMOs based on safety concerns in spite of repeated findings to the contrary by the European Food Safety Authority. Environmental groups celebrated and called for the Commission to relent. "Today's vote is a clear message that European countries will not be bullied into taking unsound decisions regarding their environment, their farming and their citizens' health," said Helen Holder, the GMO co-ordinator for Friends of the Earth. But EuropaBio, a GMO lobby group, called the votes "incomprehensible", arguing that they subordinated science to public opinion and would lead to higher food prices. "Today's vote is a political sidestep that goes against the wishes of Europe's farmers who are increasingly demanding the choice to grow biotech crops," said Nathalie Moll, the group's spokesman. EU member states have allowed the import of GM feed for cattle but their resistance has stiffened over growing GM crops, amid fears they could have unforeseen effects on consumers and the environment. That explanation has rankled US policymakers and agribusinesses, who say GM foods are safely cultivated throughout the world. Yesterday's vote could presage a similar outcome when member states consider restrictions on MON810 introduced by France and Greece. Under EU rules, the Commission must now choose to either resubmit the proposal to member states, amend it, or propose legislation instead. The Commission declined to comment on a future course of action. Meanwhile, some member states suggested that yesterday's vote called into question the role of EFSA, with France, in particular, arguing that the group's ability to review products should be bolstered.