Renewal of the authorisation for import, distribution and retail of genetically modified carnation IFD-25958-3 (Moonberry)
- The present application (C/NL/09/01) concerns the renewal of the authorisation for import, distribution and retail of cut flowers of genetically modified (GM) carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) IFD-25958-3 (Florigene®Moonberry™);
- A consent for import, distribution and retail of cut flowers of GM carnation IFD-25958-3 in Europe was granted in 2015. Since the market approval ~1.8 million flowers have been imported in the EU;
- COGEM advised positively on the import, distribution and retail of carnation IFD-25958-3 in the EU in 2009;
- GM carnation IFD-25958-3 represses endogenous dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (dfr). Also it expresses petunia dfr and viola flavonoid 3’5’hydroxylase (F3’5’H), enzymes involved in the production of flower pigments. Furthermore, IFD-25958-3 expresses a mutated SuRB gene from tobacco, which confers tolerance to sulfonylurea herbicides;
- The updated bioinformatic analyses and molecular characterisation of GM carnation IFD-25958-3 meet the criteria of COGEM;
- Carnation does not have weedy characteristics and cut carnation flowers cannot fertilise wild relatives;
- There is no evidence of establishment of IFD-25958-3 in the wild, or of introgression of the transgenes into wild Dianthus There are no indications that the introduced traits alter the fitness of cut carnation flowers of IFD-25958-3;
- The authorisation of IFD-25958-3 will not include the use of the GM carnation as food. Carnation petals are sometimes used to garnish dishes. Therefore, it is likely that in case of unauthorised incidental consumption, only a small amount of IFD-25958-3 would be consumed. The introduced genes are derived from petunia and viola, flowers that are also sometimes used as garnishes, these genes do not encode toxic or allergenic products. COGEM is not aware of any reports indicating that incidental consumption of IFD-25958-3 poses a risk to human health. COGEM is of the opinion that IFD-25958-3 poses a negligible risk to human health in case of unauthorised incidental consumption;
- Import, distribution and retail of cut carnation flowers of GM IFD-25958-3 pose a negligible risk to the European environment and human health.