Genetically Modified Organisms - Food and Feed

Comments to the EFSA public hearing of genetically modified maize MON 87429 (EFSA-GMO-NL-2019-161)

Commissioned:

Report no: Comments to EFSA

Published: 14.04.2020

Key message:

The Norwegian Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) has assessed an application for authorisation of the genetically modified maize event MON 87429 in the EEA. The scope of the application includes all uses of maize MON 8742 and subcombinations, independent of their origin, equivalent to the uses of any other maize as food and feed.

The assessment was performed in connection with the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) public hearing of application EFSA-GMO-NL-2019-161, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the Norwegian Environment Agency.

The assessment of maize MON 87429 is based on information provided by the applicant in the application EFSA-GMO-NL-2019-161, and relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature.

MON 87429 maize has high tolerance to glufosinate, dicamba, as well as quizalofop and 2,4-D herbicides. Maize MON 87429 also expresses the CP4 EPSPS protein conferring glyphosate tolerance, but utilizes an endogenous maize RNAi regulatory element to reduce CP4 EPSPS levels in pollen rendering them susceptible to glyphosate. This tissue-specific glyphosate tolerance allows for production of male-sterile plants preventing self-pollination by timed application of glyphosate.

Authorisation process for genetically modified organisms

Norway is affiliated with the GMO authorisation process in the EU. In the EU, GMOs and derived products are regulated by Regulation 1829/2003/EC. The Regulation concerns genetically modified food and feed and is currently not a part of the EEA Agreement. In preparation for a legal implementation of the regulation in Norwegian law, Norway follows EU proceedings for GMO applications.

VKM conducts its own review of GMO applications during public hearings and sends its comments to EFSA. EFSA then completes their scientific opinion based upon information from the applicant, on comments from EEA member countries, and independent literature. VKM evaluates EFSAs response to Norwegian comments. Depending on the response from EFSA, VKM may perform further health and environmental risk assessments of the GMO, giving special attention to national considerations.

VKM submitted their comment on the application to EFSA before the deadline April 14, 2020.

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