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Import, distribution and retail of GM-carnation IFD-25958-3

Advisory reports | 29.04.2009 | 090429-01

The present application by Florigene Pty. Ltd. of file C/NL/09/01 ‘Application to import carnation line IFD-25958-3’ concerns the authorization for import, distribution and retail in Europe.
Carnation does not have weedy characteristics and although carnation is grown for centuries it has never been found in the wild. The genetically modified carnation IFD-25958-3 has a modified flower color and is tolerant to sulfonylurea herbicides. These traits do not introduce a potential for weediness.
Carnation is not able to fertilize wild relatives spontaneously and, therefore, the risk of transfer of the introduced traits to related species is negligible. Formation of seed on cut flowers is highly improbable.
In rare cases petals of carnation are used in dishes or as garnishing. The application does not concern an authorization for use as food. COGEM is of the opinion that there are no reasons to assume that a rare case of incidental consumption will pose a risk to human health.

In view of the aforementioned, COGEM is of the opinion that the risks for the environment and human health resulting from import of cut flowers of the genetically modified carnation variety IFD-25958-3 are negligible.
 

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