Import of genetically modified soybean FG72 with glyphosate and isoxaflutole herbicide tolerance

The present application of Bayer CropScience AG (EFSA/GMO/BE/2011/98) concerns the import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified soybean FG72. Cultivation is not part of this application.
Soybean line FG72 was obtained by direct gene transfer of the transgenic insert to conventional soybean cells. The line expresses the 2mepsps gene and the hppdPfW336 gene conferring tolerance to several herbicides.
In Europe, there are no wild relatives of soybean and therefore, hybridisation with other species is not possible. Soybean does not possess any of the attributes commonly associated with problematic weeds such as seed shattering, dormancy and cold resistance. Establishment of feral soybean populations has never been observed in Europe. In addition, soybean volunteers are rarely observed throughout the world and do not effectively compete with other cultivated plants, weeds or primary colonisers in managed ecosystems. COGEM is of the opinion that the environmental risk of spread of soybean FG72 within the Netherlands due to incidental spillage of this herbicide tolerant soybean line is negligible.
In the opinion of COGEM, the molecular analysis of soybean line FG72 is adequately performed. Although the general surveillance (GS) plan could be improved by a guarantee that operators will monitor for unanticipated effects, COGEM considers the current GS plan sufficient for import and processing of soybean line FG72.
In conclusion, COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of soybean line FG72 poses a negligible risk to the environment. COGEM points out that a food/feed safety assessment is carried out by other organisations. Therefore, COGEM abstains from advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption.