Renewal of the authorisation for import and processing of genetically modified maize MIR162
- The present application (EFSA/GMO/RX/025) concerns the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified (GM) maize MIR162;
- GM maize MIR162 was previously authorised for import and processing in 2012;
- Maize MIR162 expresses the genes vip3Aa20 and pmi, conferring resistance to lepidopteran pests and enabling MIR162 to use mannose as a carbon source, respectively;
- In the Netherlands, feral maize populations have never been observed and the appearance of volunteers is rare;
- The wild relative of maize (teosinte) is not present in het natural environment of the Netherlands, therefore hybridisation of GM maize with other species is not possible;
- The molecular characterisation of maize MIR162 has been updated and meets the criteria of COGEM;
- The updated bioinformatics analysis, literature review, several unpublished studies and monitoring reports do not give any indication of a potential environmental risk
- COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of maize MIR162 poses a negligible risk to the environment in the Netherlands;
- COGEM abstains from giving advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption since other organisations carry out a food/feed assessment.