Renewal of the authorisation for import and processing of genetically modified maize NK603xT25
- The present application (GMFF-2023-21252; RX045) concerns the renewal of the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified (GM) maize NK603xT25;
- NK603xT25 was previously authorised for import and processing in 2015;
- COGEM advised positively on the import and processing of GM maize NK603xT25 in 2010;
- NK603xT25 was developed through traditional breeding methods of NK603 and T25 maize. NK603xT25 expresses the cp4 epsps and cp4 epsps L214P genes conferring tolerance to glyphosate-based herbicides (from NK603) and the pat gene conferring tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium-based herbicides (from T25);
- In the Netherlands, feral maize populations have never been observed and the occurrence of volunteers – maize not deliberately planted – is rare;
- In the Netherlands, the wild relative of maize (teosinte) is not present in nature, therefore hybridisation of GM maize with other species is not possible;
- The molecular characterisation of NK603xT25 has been updated and meets the criteria of COGEM;
- The updated bioinformatic analyses, the literature review and the post-market environmental monitoring reports provide no indication that the import of NK603xT25 poses a risk to the environment;
- COGEM is of the opinion that the import and processing of maize NK603xT25 poses a negligible risk to the environment in the Netherlands;
- COGEM abstains from giving advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption, as other organisations carry out a food/feed assessment.