Import and processing of genetically modified maize line 1507 x 59122 x MON810 x NK603

The present application (file EFSA/GMO/NL/2011/92) concerns import and processing for use in feed and food of the genetically modified maize line 1507x59122xMON810xNK603. Cultivation is not part of this application.
Maize line 1507x59122xMON810xNK603 expresses the cry1F, cry1Ab, cry34Ab1, cry35Ab1, cp4 epsps and pat genes. As a result, the maize line is resistant to certain lepidopteran and coleopteran insects and tolerant to glyphosate and glufosinate-ammonium containing herbicides.
Maize line 1507x59122xMON810xNK603 was produced by means of conventional breeding between the four genetically modified parental maize lines. Previously, COGEM issued positive opinions on the cultivation, import and processing of parental lines and various crosses between these lines.
During its long domestication process, maize has lost its ability to survive in the wild. In the Netherlands, the appearance of maize volunteers is rare and establishment of volunteers in the wild has never been reported. There are no reasons to assume that the introduced traits will increase the potential of maize to establish feral populations. The introduced genes cannot spread to closely related species since wild relatives of maize are not present in Europe.
In view of the above, COGEM is of the opinion that incidental spillage of 1507x59122xMON810xNK603 poses a negligible risk to the environment. Since 2008, COGEM abstains from giving advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption in case a food/feed assessment is already carried out by other organisations.
COGEM considers the risks associated with import and processing of maize line 1507x59122xMON810xNK603 to be negligible.