BRUSSELS (AFP) - The European Commission said it was authorizing the import of food products containing genetically-modified NK 603 maize, produced by the U.S. biotech giant Monsanto. In one of its final decisions before a new commission takes over on Monday it declared that its decision "takes effect immediately and will remain valid for 10 years."

The measure followed the failure by European Union farm and environment ministers to reach agreement on the issue.

NK 603 maize has been genetically-modified to tolerate glyphosphate herbicide.

It can already be imported for use as animal feed and in industrial processes.

The new authorization means that foodstuffs for both humans and animals contained NK 603 and its derivatives such as starch, oil, gluten and grains can be imported into the EU.

But the commission said that the maize would be grown and harvested outside the EU.

Any product containing the genetically-modified maize will have to be clearly labeled as such in conformity with EU legislation.

In May the commission authorized the import of another genetically-modified corn, BT-11, putting an end to a five-year European embargo on genetically modified products.

"The NK 603 maize has been scientifically assessed by the European food safety authority as being as safe as any conventional maize," EU Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstroem said in July. "Its safety is therefore not in question."