Scientific hearing of application GMFF-2025-34987/AP200 for authorisation of the genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 94804 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 under EU Regulation 1829/2003/EC on genetically modified food and feed

In accordance with an assignment specified by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) and the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), VKM assesses whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) intended for the European market can pose risks to human or animal health, or the environment in Norway. VKM assesses the scientific documentation regarding GMO applications seeking approval for use of GMOs as food and feed, processing, or cultivation.

The EU Regulation 1829/2003/EC (Regulation) covers living GMOs that fall under the Norwegian Gene Technology Act, as well as processed food and feed from GMOs (dead material) that fall under the Norwegian Food Act. The regulation is currently not part of the EEA agreement or implemented in Norwegian law.

Norway conducts its own assessments of GMO applications in preparation for the possible implementation of the Regulation.

In accordance with the assignment by NFSA and NEA, VKM assesses GMO applications during scientific hearings initiated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as well as after EFSA has published its own risk assessment of a GMO, up until EU member countries vote for or against approval in the EU Commission. The assignment is divided into three stages. (link)

Genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 94804 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603

Genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 94804 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 is obtained by conventional crossing of the genetically modified maize events MON 87427, MON 94804, MON 89034, MIR162 and NK603.

MON 87427 × MON 94804 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 expresses the proteins CP4 EPSPS from MON 87427 and NK603, CP4 EPSPS L214P from NK603, Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 from MON 89034, Vip3Aa20 and PMI from MIR162. The maize also expresses the GA20ox_SUP miRNA from MON 94804.

The CP4 EPSPS protein expressed in vegetative and female reproductive tissues, but little to no in pollen, provide maize lines with tissue-selective glyphosate tolerance to facilitate the production of viable hybrid maize seed. The Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins provides protection against certain lepidopteran insect pests. The Vip3Aa20 protein provides protection against certain lepidopteran insect pests and the PMI protein acts as a selectable marker. The CP4 EPSPS and CP4 EPSPS L214P proteins confers tolerance to glyphosate-based herbicides.

The GA20ox_SUP miRNA suppresses the expression of the targeted maize endogenous gibberellin 20 oxidase (ZmGA20ox) genes, ZmGA20ox3 and ZmGA20ox5, resulting in the reduction of gibberellic acid/gibberellin (GA) levels predominantly in the stalk, leading to a reduction of internode length and consequently reduced overall plant height compared to conventional maize.

VKM concludes that the applicant's scientific documentation for the genetically modified maize is sufficient for risk assessment, and in accordance with EFSA guidance for risk assessment of genetically modified plants for use in food or feed. VKM has not identified specific Norwegian conditions that indicate follow-up. Therefore, VKM had no comments to EFSA regarding the application.

About the assignment:

In stage 1, VKM shall assess the health and environmental risks of the genetically modified organism and derived products in connection with the EFSA scientific hearing of GMO applications. VKM shall review the scientific documentation that the applicant has submitted and possibly provide comments to EFSA. VKM must also consider: i) whether there are specific Norwegian conditions that could give other risks in Norway than those mentioned in the application, ii) whether the Norwegian diet presents a different health risk for the Norwegian population should the GMO be approved, compared to the European population, and iii) risks associated with co-existence with conventional and/or ecologic production of plants for GMOs seeking approval for cultivation. Relevant measures to ensure co-existence must also be considered.

In stage 2, VKM shall assess whether comments from Norway have been satisfactorily answered by EFSA. In addition, VKM shall assess whether comments from other countries imply need for further follow-up. If EFSAs response to Norwegian comments is not satisfactory, or comments by other countries imply the need for further follow-up, VKM shall in stage 3 perform a risk assessment of these conditions, including conditions specific to Norway.