Renewal of the authorisation for import and processing of genetically modified 59122 maize
- The present application (EFSA/GMO/RX/003) concerns the renewal of the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified 59122 maize;
- Maize 59122 has previously been authorized for import and processing in 2007;
- In 2005, COGEM has advised positively on the import and processing of 59122;
- Maize 59122 expresses the cry34Ab1 and cry35Ab1 genes conferring resistance to certain coleopteran insects, and the pat gene conferring tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium containing herbicides;
- In the Netherlands, feral maize populations have never been observed and the appearance of volunteers is rare to absent;
- In the Netherlands, wild relatives of maize have never been observed and hybridisation of maize with other species is not possible;
- The molecular characterisation and bioinformatic analyses of 59122 maize have been updated and meet the criteria of COGEM;
- There are no indications that the introduced traits will alter the fitness of 59122 maize;
- The updated molecular characterisation, literature review and monitoring reports do not give any indication of a potential environmental risk;
- COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of 59122 maize poses a negligible risk to the environment in the Netherlands;
- COGEM abstains from giving advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption since a food/feed assessment is carried out by other organisations.