Renewal of the authorisation for import and processing of genetically modified soybean A2704-12
- The present application (EFSA/GMO/RX/009) concerns the renewal of the authorisation for import and processing of genetically modified (GM) soybean (Glycine max) A2704-12;
- GM soybean A2704-12 was previously authorised for import and processing in 2008;
- COGEM has advised positively on the import and processing of soybean A2704-12 in 2007;
- A2704-12 expresses the pat gene, which confers tolerance to herbicides containing the active ingredient glufosinate-ammonium;
- In the Netherlands, feral soybean populations do not occur and hybridisation of soybean with other species is not possible;
- The updated bioinformatics analysis of soybean A2704-12 meets the criteria of COGEM;
- There are no indications that the introduced trait alters the fitness of soybean A2704-12 or allows soybean A2704-12 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 soybean A2704-12 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.