Import and processing of herbicide tolerant genetically modified maize MZHG0JG
- The present application (EFSA-GMO-DE-2016-133) concerns the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified (GM) maize MZHG0JG;
- Maize MZHG0JG was produced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation of maize line NP2222 with plasmid pSYN18857;
- The GM line expresses the mepsps and pat genes conferring tolerance to glyphosate and glufosinate-ammonium containing herbicides;
- In the Netherlands, feral maize populations have never been observed and the appearance of volunteers is rare;
- In the Netherlands, wild relatives of maize are absent and hybridisation of maize with other species is therefore not possible;
- The molecular characterisation of maize MZHG0JG meets the criteria of COGEM;
- There are no indications that the introduced traits alter the fitness of maize;
- There are no reasons to assume that the introduced traits will allow GM maize MZHG0JG to survive in the Dutch environment;
- COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of maize MZHG0JG 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.