Import and processing of soybean line BPS-CV127-9

The present notification by BASF Plant Science GmbH concerns the import and processing for use in feed and food of soybean line BPS-CV127-9 (hereafter referred to as CV127). Cultivation is not part of this application.

Due to the presence of a csr1-2 gene encoding an altered AtAHASL protein, soybean line CV127 is tolerant to imidazolinone containing herbicides. In the opinion of COGEM, the molecular analysis of soybean line CV127 is adequately performed.
In Europe, wild relatives of soybean are not present and soybean does not possess any of the attributes commonly associated with problematic weeds. In addition, survival of soybean is not possible in the Netherlands. Establishment of feral soybean populations has never been observed in European countries. There is no reason to assume that the inserted gene would introduce or increase the potential for soybean to establish feral populations. In Europe, hybridization with other species is not possible because there are no wild relatives of soybean present. Therefore, COGEM is of the opinion that incidental spillage of the soybeans will not pose a risk to humans and the environment.

In conclusion, COGEM is of the opinion that the risks to humans and the environment associated with import and processing of soybean line CV127 are negligible. COGEM points out that a food/feed safety assessment is carried out by other organizations. Therefore, COGEM abstained from advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption.