Import and processing of genetically modified maize GA21xT25
- The present application (EFSA/GMO/DE/2016/137) concerns the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified (GM) maize GA21xT25;
- Maize GA21xT25 was produced by conventional crossbreeding of the two GM parental maize lines GA21 and T25;
- The GM line expresses the mepsps and pat genes conferring tolerance to glyphosate and glufosinate-ammonium containing herbicides;
- COGEM advised positively on the import, processing and cultivation of the parental lines GA21 (2008, 2012) and T25 (2008, 2013).
- In the Netherlands, feral maize populations have never been observed and the appearance of volunteers is rare;
- In the Netherlands, wild relatives of maize have never been observed and hybridisation of maize with other species is therefore not possible;
- The molecular characterisation of maize GA21xT25 meets the criteria of COGEM;
- The updated molecular characterisation does not give any indication of a potential environmental risk;
- There are no indications that the introduced traits alter the fitness of maize GA21xT25;
- There are no reasons to assume that the introduced traits will allow GM maize GA21xT25 to survive in the Dutch environment;
- COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of maize GA21xT25 poses a negligible risk to the environment in the Netherlands;
- COGEM abstains from giving advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption since a food/feed assessment is carried out by other organisations.