Import and processing of genetically modified cotton GHB614xLLCotton25xMON15985 and LLCotton25xMON15985

The present application EFSA/GMO/NL/2011/94 concerns import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified cotton GHB614xLLCotton25xMON15985 and LLCotton25xMON15985. Cultivation is not part of this application.
LLCotton25xMON15985 expresses the cry1Ac, cry2Ab2, bar, nptII and uidA genes. In addition to these genes, GHB614xLLCotton25xMON15985 expresses the 2m epsps gene. As a result, LLCotton25xMON15985 and GHB614xLLCotton25xMON15985 are resistant to certain lepidopteran insects and tolerant to certain herbicides.
GHB614xLLCotton25xMON15985 and LLCotton25xMON15985 were produced by conventional breeding of the genetically modified parental cotton lines. Previously, COGEM issued positive opinions on import and processing of the parental lines GHB614, LLCotton25, MON15985 and GHB614xLLCotton25.
COGEM is of the opinion that the molecular characterisation of GHB614 and LLCotton25 is adequate. As stated before, COGEM notes that the molecular characterisation of MON15985 is presented in a disorderly manner and contains flaws.
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 climatic conditions. The introduced traits will not enable GHB614xLLCotton25xMON15985 or LLCotton25xMON15985 to establish feral populations. Therefore, COGEM is of the opinion that incidental spillage of GHB614xLLCotton25xMON15985 or LLCotton25xMON15985 cotton seeds will not pose a risk to the environment in the Netherlands.
In view of the above, COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of GHB614x LLCotton25xMON15985 and LLCotton25xMON15985 poses a negligible risk to the environment in the Netherlands. A food/feed safety assessment is carried out by other organisations. Therefore, COGEM abstains from advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption.