Biotech Updates

EFSA's Opinion on Herbicide Tolerant Oilseed Rape

March 7, 2008

The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms has released its opinion regarding Bayer CropScience’s application for the approval of its herbicide tolerant oilseed rape, T45, for use as food and feed in the EU. The GM oilseed rape is engineered to express the PAT protein, an enzyme that confers tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium herbicides.

The panel performed rigorous risk assessment procedures such as characterization of the inserted DNA and comparative analysis of agronomic traits. They evaluated the transgenic protein with respect to its nutritional quality, potential toxicity and allergenicity. The panel also observed the stability of the genetic modification for several generations. EFSA concluded that following its intended use, T45 is as safe as its non-GM counterparts with respect to potential effects on human and animal health or the environment.

The summary of the report is available at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/Scientific_Opinion/gmo_op_ej635_T45oilseedrape_summary_en,0.pdf