EFSA Releases Scientific Opinions for Renewal of Authorization of 3 GM Soybeans

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) GMO Panel has released its Scientific Opinion on data submitted for the renewal of authorization applications for three genetically modified (GM) soybeans, including insect-resistant soybean MON 87701, insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant soybean MON 87701 × MON 89788, and herbicide-tolerant 40-3-2 for food and feed uses, excluding cultivation within the European Union.

Following the submission of applications EFSA-GMO-RX-021 and EFSA-GMO-RX-022 under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Bayer CropScience, and EFSA-GMO-RX-023 under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Bayer Agriculture BV on behalf of Bayer CropScience, the EFSA GMO Panel assessed the post-market environmental monitoring reports, a systematic search and evaluation of literature, updated bioinformatic analyses, and additional documents or studies performed by or on behalf of the applicant. They evaluated the collected information for possible new hazards, modified exposure, or new scientific uncertainties identified during the authorization period and not previously assessed in the initial application.

Based on their findings, the GMO Panel concluded that they found no evidence in the renewal applications EFSA-GMO-RX-021, EFSA-GMO-RX-022, and EFSA-GMO-RX-023 for new hazards, modified exposure, or scientific uncertainties that would change the conclusions of the original risk assessments for MON 87701, MON 87701 × MON 89788, and 40-3-2.

For more details, read the scientific opinions for MON 87701, MON 87701 × MON 89788, and 40-3-2 in the EFSA Journal.