Import of genetically modified carnation ‘Moonaqua’

The present application by Florigene Ltd. of file C/NL/06/01, ‘Import carnation variety
Florigene MoonaquaTM (123.8.12)’ concerns the import, distribution and sale of a
genetically modified carnation. The cut flowers are produced outside the EU member
states. A similar transgenic carnation variety has previously been approved for
commercial production within the EU in 1997.
Carnation does not have weedy characteristics and although carnation is grown for
centuries it has never been found in the wild. The introduced traits (flower, color and
herbicide tolerance) do not alter the other biological characteristics of the plant.
Carnation is not able to outcross with wild relatives and therefore the risk of transfer of
the introduced traits to related species is absent.
Petals of carnation are occasionally used as garnishing. However, the notification does
not concern food purposes. Moreover, the genetically modified carnation variety has a
history of safe use and results of toxicity tests indicate that detrimental effects are absent.
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 are negligible.