Import and processing of herbicide tolerant genetically modified maize DP202216 with enhanced grain yield potential
- The present application (EFSA/GMO/NL/2019/159) concerns the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified (GM) maize DP202216;
- Maize DP202216 was produced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation;
- Maize DP202216 expresses the zmm28 gene leading to increased and extended production of the endogenous ZMM28 protein resulting in plants with an enhanced grain yield potential. Furthermore it expresses a modified pat gene (mo–pat) conferring tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium containing herbicides;
- In the Netherlands, feral maize populations have never been observed and the appearance of volunteers is rare;
- In the Netherlands, the wild relative of maize, teosinte is not present in maize fields or in nature and hybridisation of GM maize with other species is therefore not possible;
- The molecular characterisation of maize DP202216 meets the criteria of COGEM;
- There are no indications that the introduced traits alter the fitness of maize DP202216 under natural conditions;
- There are no reasons to assume that the introduced traits will allow GM maize DP202216 to survive in the Dutch environment;
- COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of maize DP202216 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.