Animal feed manufacturers will have to wait a little longer to find out whether the EU will authorise products containing genetically modified (GM) crops.
The European Commission met in Brussels to discuss the proposals, which would allow the import of animal feed with low levels of GM content.
Passing the legislation would provide UK animal feed manufacturers with massive competition from US firms, currently barred from the market.
However, after a number of member states, including France, voiced opposition at the meeting, discussions have been postponed until a later date.
"The European Commission takes note of the fact that some member states have requested a prolongation of the discussion on the issue," the EU's executive said in a statement.
According to reports in the Observer, the UK government is one of many across the continent that is backing the proposals, which would be the first to allow GM products into the European food chain.
