Brussels, 04 Mar 2005
The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO Panel) has published today two opinions on 1507 maize relating to (i) food use and (ii) import, feed and industrial processing and cultivation.
EFSA issues opinions on Genetically Modified 1507 Maize
The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO Panel) has published today two opinions on 1507 maize relating to (i) food use and (ii) import, feed and industrial processing and cultivation. GM 1507 maize has been developed for protection against specific lepidopteran pests such as the European corn borer. It also contains a gene providing tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate. This is the first application reviewed by the EFSA GMO Panel under the GM Food and Feed Regulation. It is also the first time that EFSA's GMO Panel has published an opinion relating to GM plant cultivation. The Panel has concluded that 1507 maize will not have an adverse effect on human and animal health or the environment in the context of its proposed use. No data have emerged to indicate that 1507 maize is any less safe than its conventional counterpart.
The GM 1507 maize was assessed with reference to its intended use employing the appropriate principles as described in the "Guidance Document of the Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms for the Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Plants and Derived Food and Feed" published by EFSA*. In addition to the examination of newly introduced DNA and proteins, comparative analyses of agronomic traits and composition were undertaken so that both nutritional quality and safety of the whole food and feed were evaluated. Furthermore a full environmental assessment was undertaken, including an assessment of the post-market monitoring plan.
In developing the opinion regarding food use**, EFSA held a more centralised role in the assessment process by liaising and consulting with Member States. This is in contrast to previous risk assessments whereby EFSA was consulted by the European Commission when issues of risk were raised by Member States. In considering all information and following consultations with Member States the Panel concluded that 1507 maize for food use does not raise safety concerns for human and animal health.
In its first environmental risk assessment with regard to cultivation of a GM crop***,the possible development of resistance in corn borers as a result of exposure to 1507 maize over several years, was identified. However, the case-specific monitoring plan to record the development of resistance, as provided by the applicant, was judged adequate to address this potential risk. The Panel also evaluated the applicant's general surveillance plan and made recommendations to improve its scientific value, notably through more focused data collection. The Panel considers that 1507 maize will have similar impacts on the environment as other comparable non-GM maize cultivated plant varieties.
In conclusion, the Panel is of the opinion that there is no evidence to indicate that the placing of 1507 maize and derived products on the market is likely to cause adverse effects on human or animal health or the environment.
It should be noted that the evaluation of the complementary herbicide glufosinate is not part of the evaluation of 1507 maize as carried out by the GMO Panel addressed in these opinions. The pesticide evaluation is currently being evaluated by EFSA'sPRAPeR unit (Pesticide Risk Assessment Peer Review) as part of the review programme for existing substances under Community legislation concerning pesticides.
Opinion of the GMO Panel related to the notification (Reference C/ES/01/01) for the placing on the market of insect-tolerant genetically modified maize 1507 for import, feed and industrial processing and cultivation, under Part C of Directive 2001/18/EC from Pioneer Hi-Bred International/Mycogen Seeds
(Question No EFSA-Q-2004-015) Adopted 19 January 2005
Opinion of the GMO Panel on an application for the placing on the market of insect-tolerant genetically modified maize 1507, for food use, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Pioneer Hi-Bred International/Mycogen Seeds
(Application No EFSA-GMO-NL-2004-02) Adopted 19 January 2005
Full text of the press release
European Food Safety Authority -- EFSA
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