by SEAN POULTER, Daily Mail

Nations and regions which want to stay free of genetically-modified crops will be banned from doing so under a devastating ruling by EU scientists.

The decision, the first from the new European Food Safety Authority, means governments will be unable to stop the controversial plants being grown on their soil - effectively opening the floodgates.

It is a disastrous blow to those British consumers, farmers, politicians and green campaigners who are fearful about the safety of so-called Frankenstein foods.

The administrations in Scotland and Wales and many English local authorities - particularly in the South West - oppose GM crops.

Last night, Greenpeace warned Britain is being dragged into a vast and unpredictable experiment. Once commercial planting of GM crops is allowed, their pollen will spread and contaminate the entire countryside.

Former environment minister Michael Meacher has warned of gaping holes in our knowledge about the effect of GM on human health and the countryside. He has raised the possibility of damage to the immune system, sexual development and the stomach lining. There are also concerns about new allergies.

Separately, there are worries that GM pollen will taint conventional and organic farms. And research has pointed to the creation of superweeds.

Mr Meacher has called on the Government to postpone or ban commercial growing of GM crops here.

However, an EFSA scientific panel has now decided these are not sufficient reasons for any EU nation or region to choose GM-free status.

The ruling is on an application by Upper Austria to be declared a GM-free zone for all existing and planned GM crops or animals. The rejection of the application - to be officially published tomorrow - sets a precedent across Europe.

In effect, it means a farmer or biotech company will be allowed to grow GM crops virtually anywhere in the EU, regardless of public fears or political opposition.

Yesterday, Greenpeace called into question the independence of EFSA and its GM science panel. The chief executive is British civil servant Geoffrey Podger, who was previously in charge of the pro-GM Food Standards Agency here.

The British government, which from Tony Blair down is seen as supporting GM, was consulted on who should represent this country on the EU's GM panel.

Two of those chosen are GM enthusiasts - Professor Mike Gasson, of the Institute of Food Research in Norfolk and Professor Jeremy Sweet, of the National Institute of Agricultural-Botany, Cambridge.

Greenpeace GM campaigner Nathan Argent said: "Once again. Tony Blair's science cronies have shown how determined they are to force this unwanted technology down our throats.

"Our countryside is being forced to take part in an unwanted and unpredictable environmental experiment. Whatever happened to choice?" But Professor Sweet said those who raise social or moral objections to GM are "just muddying the waters".

He rejected the health warnings raised by Mr Meacher and others, saying: "There has to be an acceptance of the integrity of the science.

An EU moratorium on new GM crops was lifted last week under pressure from the US Biotech firms, such as Monsanto, are pressing ahead with applications to grow GM oilseed rape, maize, beet, potatoes and other crops.

The first could go into commercial cultivation in Britain and across Europe as early as next spring.