EFSA's Opinion on Pioneer's GM Maize

Following its intended use, Pioneer’s 59122 x NK603 maize is as safe as its non-GM counterparts with respect to potential effects on human and animal health or the environment. This is the conclusion of the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms on its assessment of the insect-resistant, glyphosate- and glufosinate-tolerant genetically modified maize line. The scientific assessment included molecular characterization of the inserted DNA and expression of the new proteins, comparative analysis of agronomic traits and composition, and evaluation of the new protein and the whole food/feed with respect to nutritional quality, potential toxicity and allergenicity.

Pioneer’s 59122 x NK603 maize has already been approved in seven countries to date. In the European Union, both individual traits have already been approved for import, food and feed use; 59122 in October 2007 and NK603 in March 2005.

The paper is available for download at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902200229.htm