Advice on the renewal of the authorisation of import and processing of genetically modified oilseed rape MON88302
- The present application (GMFF-2023-21220) concerns the renewal of the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape MON88302;
- MON88302 was previously authorized for import and processing in 2015;
- Oilseed rape MON88302 was produced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. It expresses the cp4 epsps gene, conferring tolerance to glyphosate containing herbicides;
- Feral oilseed rape populations occur across the Netherlands, with a small number of plants (25 or less) per location, along distribution routes and handling areas as a result of spillage of oilseed rape seeds during transport and transshipment;
- Oilseed rape can hybridise with Brassica rapa which is a common plant along Dutch roadsides. To a lesser extent it can also hybridise with Brassica juncea and Brassica oleracea;
- Stable incorporation (introgression) of genes from napus into wild populations of B. rapa and B. napus may be possible;
- The molecular characterisation of MON88302 has been updated and meets the criteria of COGEM
- Accidental spillage of GM oilseed rape seeds may lead to the establishment of feral GM napus, which could lead to plants with stacked events, or feral GM B. rapa harbouring GM traits like herbicide tolerance;
- COGEM is of the opinion that the monitoring plan for import and processing of GM oilseed rape should always include monitoring along transport routes (including roadsides and railway beddings), transshipment areas, and introduction through bird feed mixtures. As these aspects are not included in the current monitoring plan of MON88302, COGEM cannot advise positively on the application for import and processing for use in food and feed of MON88302 oilseed rape;
- COGEM abstains from giving advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption as a food/feed assessment is carried out by other organisations.