Import and processing of genetically modified herbicide tolerant cotton MON87701

The present application by Monsanto Europe S.A. concerns import and processing for use in feed and food of the genetically modified cotton event MON88701 (EFSA/GMO/NL/2013/114).
Cultivation is not part of this application.
Cotton line MON88701 was produced by Rhizobium radiobacter mediated transformation of conventional cotton. MON88701 expresses the dmo and bar genes. As a result, MON88701 cotton is tolerant to dicamba and glufosinate ammonium containing herbicides.
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. The introduced traits
will not introduce a potential to establish feral populations. Moreover, cotton cannot survive in Northwestern Europe due to its climate. Therefore, COGEM is of the opinion that incidental spillage of MON88701 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 MON88701 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.