Renewal of the authorisation for import of feed of genetically modified maize GA21
- The present application (EFSA/GMO/RX/005) concerns the renewal of the authorisation for import and processing for use in feed and food of genetically modified maize GA21;
- Maize GA21 has been authorised for import and processing in 2008;
- In 2008, COGEM advised positively on the import, processing and cultivation of maize GA21;
- Maize GA21 expresses the mepsps gene conferring tolerance to glyphosate containing herbicides;
- In the Netherlands, feral maize populations have never been observed and the appearance of volunteers is rare to absent;
- In the Netherlands, wild relatives of maize have never been observed and hybridisation of maize with other species is not possible;
- The molecular characterisation (bioinformatic analysis) of maize GA21 has been updated and meets the criteria of COGEM;
- There are no indications that the introduced trait will alter the fitness of maize GA21;
- The updated molecular characterisation, 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 maize GA21 poses 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.