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Import and processing of cotton GHB614xLLCotton25

Advisory reports | 25.03.2011 | CGM/110325-01

The present application by BayerCropScience (file EFSA/GMO/NL/2010/77) concerns import and processing for use in feed and food of cotton GHB614xLLCotton25. Cultivation is not part of this application.
The hybrid cotton line GHB614xLLCotton25 was produced by conventional crossbreeding of parental cotton lines GHB614 and LLCotton25. GHB614xLLCotton25 expresses the genes 2mepsps and bar. As a result, the hybrid line is tolerant to glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium containing herbicides.
GHB614xLLCotton25 has not been previously assessed by COGEM. COGEM advised positively on import and processing of both parental cotton lines. The molecular analysis of the inserts present in the hybrid cotton line was updated in 2010. The presence of open reading frames at the junction sites of the DNA introduced in cotton GHB614 and LLCotton25, and present in the hybrid cotton line, was analyzed. The amino acid sequence of the open reading frames was deduced in silico and analyzed for similarity to known toxins or allergens. No similarity was found.
The molecular characterization of cotton line GHB614xLLCotton25 meets the criteria of COGEM. Although the general surveillance (GS) plan could be improved by a guarantee that operators will monitor for unanticipated effects, COGEM considers the current GS plan sufficient for import and processing of cotton line GHB614xLLCotton25.
In Northwest Europe, no wild relatives of cotton are present. Modern cotton cultivars do not possess any of the attributes commonly associated with problematic weeds. There are no reasons to assume that the introduced traits will increase the potential of cotton to establish feral populations. Moreover, cotton cannot survive the climatologic conditions in Northwest Europe. Therefore, COGEM is of the opinion that incidental spillage of GHB614xLLCotton25 seeds will not pose a risk to the environment in Northwest Europe. In view of the above, COGEM is of the opinion that the risks for humans and the environment associated with import and processing of cotton line GHB614xLLCotton25 are negligible. A food/feed safety assessment is carried out by other organizations. Therefore, COGEM abstained from advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption.

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