Greece has until Tuesday to decide whether it will lift a ban on a genetically modified corn seed developed by US biotech company Monsanto that the European Commission has instructed the country to accept.

In November, Brussels said that Greece’s ban on MON810 seed types was not warranted on health or safety grounds following its approval for sale throughout the EU.

A government source said that the Agriculture Ministry will not refer the issue to the European Court but will try to settle it through other legal channels. No further details were given.

The government will be careful in its handling of the issue after gaining political points for taking a stance that appeared to protect consumer’s health.

Meanwhile, consumer groups INKA and EKPOIZO joined forces with environmentalists Greenpeace and farmers group GESASE yesterday calling for a continuation of the ban.

The government should take the initiative and maintain its stance against the corn, they said in a joint statement.