Import and processing of insect resistant and herbicide tolerant genetically modified maize MZIR098
- The present application (EFSA-GMO-DE-2017-142) concerns the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified (GM) maize MZIR098;
- Maize MZIR098 was produced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation;
- Maize MZIR098 expresses the ecry3.1Ab and mcry3A genes conferring resistance against certain coleopteran insects, and the pat-08 gene 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, wild relatives of maize are absent and hybridisation of maize with other species is therefore not possible;
- The molecular characterisation of maize MZIR098 meets the criteria of COGEM;
- There are no indications that the introduced traits alter the fitness of maize MZIR098 under natural conditions;
- There are no reasons to assume that the introduced traits will allow GM maize MZIR098 to survive in the Dutch environment;
- COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of maize MZIR098 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.