Import and processing of GM maize MON89034 x 1507 x NK603 x DAS-40278-9
- The present application (EFSA/GMO/NL/2013/112) concerns the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified (GM) maize MON89034x1507xNK603xDAS-40278-9;
- Maize MON89034x1507xNK603xDAS-40278-9 expresses the cry1A.105, cry2Ab2 and cry1F genes conferring resistance to certain lepidopteran insects, and the pat, cp4 epsps, cp4 epsps L214P and aad-1 genes conferring tolerance to glyphosate, glufosinate-ammonium, and certain ‘aryloxyphenoxypropionate’ (AOPP) containing herbicides and auxin acting herbicides;
- COGEM advised positively on the import and processing of the parental lines MON89034, 1507, NK603 and DAS-40278-9 in 2009 (MON89034), 2003 (1507 and NK603) and 2011 (DAS-40278-9);
- In the Netherlands, feral maize populations have never been observed and the appearance of volunteers is rare;
- In the Netherlands, wild relatives of maize have never been observed and hybridisation of maize with other species is therefore not possible;
- The molecular characterisation of maize MON89034x1507xNK603xDAS-40278-9 meets the criteria of COGEM;
- There are no reasons to assume that the introduced traits will allow GM maize MON89034x1507xNK603xDAS-40278-9 to survive in the Dutch environment;
- There are no indications that the introduced traits altered the fitness of maize MON89034x1507xNK603xDAS-40278-9;
- The updated molecular characterisation does not give any indication of a potential environmental risk;
- COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of maize MON89034x1507x NK603xDAS-40278-9, or potential subcombinations in segregating progeny, poses a negligible risk to the environment in the Netherlands;
- COGEM abstains from giving advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption since a food/feed assessment is carried out by other organisations.