EFSA GMO Panel Releases Scientific Assessment of GM Oilseed Rape LBFLFK

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) GMO Panel has released its Scientific Opinion on the safety of genetically modified (GM) herbicide tolerant oilseed rape (Brassica napus AACC) LBFLFK according to Regulation (EU) No 503/2013, for import, processing, and food and feed uses, within the EU.

According to the Scientific Opinion, none of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics between oilseed rape LBFLFK and the non-GM comparator needed further assessment, except for germination of harvested seeds, which underwent additional evaluation and was found not to raise environmental concerns.

The GMO Panel could not conclude on the overall safety of oilseed rape LBFLFK because the safety of its newly expressed proteins and its use in animal feed and aquaculture could not be established. However, the panel determined that the refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) oil is safe for human consumption, provided it is not used in high-temperature applications and is subject to post-market monitoring. While no risks were identified for the terrestrial environment, the panel could not conclude on the safety of LBFLFK to aquatic organisms, rendering the post-market environmental monitoring plan inadequate.

For more information, read the Scientific Opinion in the EFSA Journal.