Renewal of the authorisation for import, distribution and retail of genetically modified carnation SHD-27531-4 (Moontea™)

COGEM has been asked to advise on the renewal of the authorisation for the import, distribution and sale in Europe of cut flowers of the genetically modified (GM) carnation variety SHD-27531-4 (Florigene®Moontea™). Carnations do not naturally produce blue pigment. By adding two genes from petunia and pansy, the GM carnation is able to produce this pigment, giving the flower a ‘blue’ colour. The first authorisation was granted in 2013 for a period of ten years. The present application concerns a renewal of this authorisation.
The cultivated carnation is not capable of becoming naturalised. The inserted genes have no influence on the potential for naturalisation. The likelihood of genes from the GM carnation spreading to related species in the wild is negligible. No potential risks to humans or the environment have been identified in the updated bioinformatic analyses, literature review and monitoring reports from recent years.
The authorisation will not include the use of the GM carnation as food. Carnation petals are sometimes used to garnish dishes. There is no reason to assume that incidental consumption poses any risks. In conclusion, COGEM is of the opinion that the risks to humans and the environment associated with the extension of the import, distribution and sale of cut flowers of GM carnation SHD-27531-4 are negligible.