Additional advice on the renewal of the authorisation for feed, import and processing of GM oilseed rape GT73

In 2017, COGEM issued its opinion on the renewal of the authorisation for import and processing of genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape GT73. COGEM expressed its concerns with regard to the provided systematic literature review which was limited to food and feed safety, and the proposal of the applicant to discontinue post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM). COGEM is of the opinion that the presence of GM oilseed rape should be monitored and that it should include monitoring along transport routes and at transshipment areas.
EFSA recently published its opinion on the application for renewal of the authorisation of GT73. The Ministry of IandW asked COGEM whether its comments were sufficiently answered by EFSA.
The applicant revised the systematic literature search to allow retrieval of publications that might be relevant to the environmental risk assessment. The applicant also provided a PMEM plan. This PMEM plan does, however, not include monitoring along transport routes and at transshipment areas. COGEM is of the opinion that the PMEM plan needs to be improved before the renewal of the authorisation can be granted.