EuropaBio Background Briefing on 1507 Maize (link)

Brussels, 03 Mar 2006

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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 de facto 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."

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