Advisory report Import and processing of insect resistant and herbicide tolerant cotton 281-24-236×3006-210-23xMON88913

The present application (EFSA/GMO/NL/2009/68) concerns import and processing for use in feed and food of the genetically modified cotton event 281-24-236×3006-210-23xMON88913 Cultivation is not part of this application.
Cotton line 281-24-236×3006-210-23xMON88913 expresses the Cry1F, Cry1Ac PAT and CP4 EPSPS proteins, conferring resistance to certain lepidopteran insect pests and tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium and glyphosate containing herbicides.
281-24-236×3006-210-23xMON88913 was produced by means of conventional breeding of two genetically modified parental cotton lines. Previously, COGEM issued positive opinions on the import and processing of the parental lines 281-24-236×3006-210-23 and MON88913.
In Northwestern Europe, no wild relatives of cotton are present. Modern cotton cultivars do not possess any of the attributes commonly associated with problematic weeds. Cotton cannot survive in Northwestern Europe due to the climate. The introduced traits will not introduce a potential to establish feral populations. Therefore, COGEM is of the opinion that incidental spillage of 281-24-236×3006-210-23xMON88913 seeds will not pose a risk to the environment in Northwestern Europe.
In view of the above, COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of cotton line 281-24-236×3006-210-23xMON88913 poses a negligible risk to man and the environment. A food/feed safety assessment is carried out by other organisations. Therefore, COGEM abstains from advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption.