Molecular characterisation of maize lines MON 863 and MON 863 x MON 810 within the framework of a voluntary cattle feed safety assessment

COGEM has been asked to advise on the molecular characterisation of the maize lines MON 863 and MON 863 x MON 810 within the framework of a voluntary cattle feed safety assessment. COGEM has previously assessed these maize lines within this framework and also requested additional information at that time. Meanwhile a market authorisation for the same two maize lines has been requested via the centralised European procedure. Under this procedure, COGEM has received the additional information about the molecular characterisation and has advised positively with respect to the market authorisation of MON 863 and MON 863 x MON 810. COGEM considers a review of the previous advisory report to be unnecessary, as no new scientific facts or insights have come to light since its publication. Therefore in COGEM’s opinion, the molecular characterisation has been satisfactorily carried out and the use of genetically modified maize grains as cattle feed poses a negligible risk for humans and the environment.