Renewal of the authorisation for import and processing of genetically modified soybean MON87769

• The present application (GMFF-2023-21253) concerns the renewal of the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically of genetically modified (GM) soybean (Glycine max) MON87769;
• GM soybean MON 87769 was previously authorised for import and processing in 2015;
• COGEM has advised positively on the import and processing of GM soybean MON87769 in 2010;
• MON87769 expresses the Pj.D6D gene derived from Primula juliae and Nc.Fad3 derived from Neurospora crassa resulting in the production of stearidonic acid (SDA), an omega3 fatty acid;
• In the Netherlands, feral soybean populations do not occur;
• Hybridisation of soybean with other species is not possible in the Netherlands, as there are no wild relatives of soybean;
• The molecular characterisation of GM soybean MON87769 has been updated and meets the criteria of COGEM;
• The updated bioinformatics analyses, literature review and monitoring reports do not give any indication of a potential environmental risk;
• COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of GM soybean MON87769 poses a negligible risk to the environment in the Netherlands;
• As other organisations carry out a food/feed assessment, COGEM abstains from giving advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption.