Biotech Updates

EFSA Oks GM Maize Varieties

May 21, 2010

The Genetically Modified Organisms Panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released three Scientific Opinions regarding Syngenta Seeds Maize Varieties (Bt11xMIR604, Bt11xMIR604xGA21 and MIR604xGA21). It concluded that these genetically modified varieties are as safe and nutritious as its conventional counterpart. The varieties are also unlikely to have an adverse effect on human and animal health and the environment, in the context of its intended uses.

The corn varieties, specifically for food and feed uses, import and processing, were developed to incorporate insect resistance and herbicide tolerance traits.

Details of the scientific assessment for each of the varieties are at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/1614.htm; http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/1616.htm; and http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/1611.htm