Biotech Updates

EFSA Model to Assess Impact of GM Crops on Non-Target Organisms

April 30, 2010

Scientists from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) GMO Panel and the Panel's Environmental Working Group have developed a mathematical model to assess the impact of genetically modified crops on non-target organisms. The model was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society - Biological Sciences.

The model estimates the exposure and possible adverse effects  of the European butterflies and other moth species to the pollen of Bt maize. EFSA used this model to evaluate the renewal application of Bt maize MON 810. The Panel was thus able to assess the environmental impact of Bt maize pollen on non target organisms such as the European Peacock and Red Admiral butterflies and the Diamondback moth.

See EFSA's press release at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/gmo100428.htm