Brussels, 28 Oct 2005
Biotech maize 1507 is genetically modified with the Bt trait to make it resistant to certain insect pests (in Europe these typically include Ostrinia nubilalis, commonly known as the European corn borer and Sesamia calamistis, known as the pink stalk borer) and meets all the latest EU regulatory requirements. Biotech maize 1507 was jointly developed by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. (a DuPont subsidiary) and by Mycogen Seeds, (a Dow AgroSciences subsidiary).
1. 1507 maize has been assessed as safe:
1507 maize meets all the latest EU regulatory requirements, part of which was the condition for the termination of the EU moratorium on new GMO approvals, and has been judged by the European Food Safety Authority to be as safe as conventional maize.
- The Cry1F protein provides the maize plant with built-in resistance to protect the plant from target insect pests and reduces the need for spraying
- The Cry1F and PAT proteins expressed in 1507 maize are not toxic or allergenic to humans and animals
- The PAT protein conferring tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium herbicide was used as the selectable genetic marker
- 1507 maize poses no concerns with hybridisation with wild populations in the EU
- 1507 maize is substantially and nutritionally equivalent to, and at least as safe as conventional maize
- There is no adverse environmental impact of 1507 maize compared to conventional maize
- Bt sprays have a long history of safe use, including use by organic growers for more than 40 years
Positive Opinion - GMO Scientific Panel - EFSA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in reviewing the 1507 maize 'import and processing' dossier (Ref: C/NL/00/10 expressed the opinion that 1507 maize is as safe for human and animal health and for the environment as conventional maize:
"In conclusion, the Panel considers that the information available for 1507 maize addresses the outstanding questions raised by Member States and considers 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 has emerged to indicate that maize line 1507 is any less safe than its non-GM comparators."
"Analysis of kernel chemical composition from field trials in South America and Europe showed that 1507 was substantially equivalent to its non-GM comparator. Furthermore, appropriate animal feeding trials indicated that 1507 is nutritionally equivalent to its non-GM comparator."
2. 1507 maize dossiers awaiting EU approval have Positive Safety Assessments from EFSA:
There are currently three different applications for 1507 maize in the EU approval process:
- · Dossier submitted under Directive 90/220/EEC to the Dutch Competent Authority in November 2000
- Dossier updated under Directive 2001/18/EC in November 2002
- Dutch Competent Authority issued a positive safety assessment report in September 2003:
http:///gmoinfo.jrc.it/csnifs/C-NL-00-10_ AssessmentReport.pdf - EFSA adopted a positive safety opinion on the dossier on 24 September 2004:
http:///www.efsa.eu.int/science/gmo/gmo_o pinions/663_en.html - Following a positive safety opinion from the GMO Panel of the European Food Safety Authority, the European Commission issued its Decision, recommending the approval of 1507 maize for import and processing, including animal feed use.
- Vote at EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 20 September 2005 - no decision. Decision passed back to Commission.
- Dossier submitted under Directive 90/220/EEC to the Spanish Competent Authority in July 2001
- Dossier updated under Dir 2001/18/EC in December 2002
- Spanish Competent Authority issued a positive safety assessment in August 2003:
http:///gmoinfo.jrc.it/csnifs/C-ES-01-01_ AssessmentReport.pdf - EFSA adopted a positive safety opinion on the dossier on 19 January 2005:
http:///www.efsa.eu.int/science/gmo/gmo_o pinions/8_en.html - Awaiting decision by EU Commission and then to be forwarded to Regulatory Committee - date of meeting not yet specified.