Renewal of the authorisation for import and processing of genetically modified cotton LLCotton25
- The present application (EFSA/GMO/RX/010) concerns the renewal of the authorisation for import and processing of genetically modified (GM) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) LLCotton25;
- GM cotton LLCotton25 was previously authorised for import and processing in 2008;
- COGEM advised positively on the import and processing of LLCotton25 in 2005, and on import and processing of stacked lines containing LLCotton25 in 2011, 2015 and 2016;
- LLCotton25 expresses the bar gene, which confers tolerance to herbicides containing the active ingredient glufosinate ammonium;
- In the Netherlands, cultivation of cotton is not possible and feral cotton populations do not occur;
- Wild relatives of cotton are not present in the Netherlands, therefore hybridisation with other species is not possible;
- The updated bioinformatics analysis of LLCotton25 meets the criteria of COGEM;
- There are no indications that the introduced trait alters the fitness of LLCotton25;
- There is no reason to assume that the introduced trait will allow LLCotton25 to survive in the Dutch environment;
- The updated bioinformatics analysis, 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 LLCotton25 pose 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.