EFSA’s Opinions on Monsanto and Syngenta’s GM Maize Applications

The scientific panel on genetically modified organisms of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released its opinion on the use of MIR604, Syngenta's insect-resistant maize, for food and feed use in the European Union. The maize has been genetically modified to produce the mCry3A protein, which confers resistance to the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) and other related coleopteran pests of maize. EFSA said that the GM maize is "as safe as its conventional counterpart with respect to its potential effects on human and animal health or the environment."

The EU food watchdog made the same conclusion on Monsanto's genetically modified maize hybrid. The GM maize was produced by crosses between maize inbred lines containing MON 88017 and MON 810 events to combine resistance to certain coleopteran and lepidopteran pests and to confer tolerance to glyphosate. Mon 88017 produces a modified Cry3Bb1 protein for insect resistance and a CP4 EPSPS protein for herbicide tolerance. MON810, on the other hand, expresses a Cry1Ab protein. These proteins have been assessed previously by EFSA and no safety concerns were identified. EFSA said that interactions between the single events that might impact food and feed safety are not likely to occur.

EFSA's scientific assessment included molecular characterization of the DNA insert, monitoring of agronomic traits and evaluation of the transgenic protein and whole food/feeds in terms of toxicity, allergenicity and nutritional value.

EFSA's scientific documents are available at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902691146.htm and http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902691168.htm