EFSA GMO Panel Releases Scientific Opinion on the Assessment of Three-Event Stack GM Cotton

The Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA GMO Panel) has recently published a scientific opinion confirming the safety of a new three-event stack genetically modified (GM) cotton variety, designated as T304‐40 × GHB119 × COT102. The application, submitted by BASF Agricultural Solutions, covers the import, processing, and food and feed uses within the European Union, excluding cultivation.

This three-event stack cotton was developed by crossing individual strains to combine resistance against specific lepidopteran pests with tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium-based herbicides. After a thorough molecular characterization and comparative analysis, the EFSA GMO Panel concluded that the variety is as safe as its non-genetically modified counterparts.

The assessment process included a rigorous evaluation of the crop's agronomic, phenotypic, and compositional characteristics. Researchers found no evidence of unintended interactions between the combined genetic events that could impact the nutritional value or safety of food and feed derived from the plant. Furthermore, toxicological and allergenicity tests indicated that the newly expressed proteins do not pose a risk to human or animal health, leading the panel to determine that post-market monitoring of food and feed products is not required.

Beyond consumption safety, the EFSA opinion also addressed potential environmental impacts. The panel concluded that the import and processing of this cotton variety, as well as the accidental spillage of its seeds, would not raise environmental concerns in the European Union. With a post-market environmental monitoring plan already in place, the findings clear a significant regulatory hurdle for the commercial use of this multi-trait cotton in the European market.

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