transgenic maize introduced into market?
j. | 04.12.2003 13:05 | Bio-technology | Ecology
EUROPEAN FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY
4 DECEMBER 2003
Embargoed until 4 December 2003, 18.00 CET
PRESS RELEASE
The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) has published today two opinions on genetically modified (GM) maize NK603. The Panel has concluded that the herbicide-tolerant GM maize NK 603 is as safe as conventional maize and therefore that its placing on the market -- for import for processing and food or feed use-- is unlikely to have an adverse effect on human or animal health, or in this context, on the environment.
“These opinions have been requested as the first of a series of risk assessments of different GM plant varieties,” said Dr. Harry Kuiper, Chair of the Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). “Our Scientific Panel was recently asked to review the evidence presented on GM maize NK 603 in order to evaluate its safety. A comprehensive environmental assessment was not conducted as the applications for GM maize NK 603 concern only import and processing, but not cultivation of the maize. The risk assessment process included examination of: the DNA integrated into NK 603; the nature and safety of the target proteins produced by the transgenic event and; the possibility that the genetic modification may have influenced the safety, allergenicity and nutritional value of NK 603 in comparison with conventional maize.“ Having considered all of the evidence provided, the Panel concluded that NK 603 maize is as safe as conventional maize and therefore the placing on the market of NK 603 maize – for import for processing and food or feed use—is unlikely to have an adverse effect on human or animal health, or in this context, on the environment. Following EFSA’s scientific risk assessment, the Commission will draft proposals concerning the possible authorisation of NK 603 maize for consultation of the Member States in a Regulatory Committee.
Background
These opinions relate to the risk assessment of a new GM maize (NK603 “Roundup Ready” maize) and of food and feed products derived from it. This maize type has been genetically modified to provide tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate (commonly formulated as “Roundup”). The stated purpose of this modification is to allow farmers to manage weeds more effectively in maize fields during cultivation.
The risk assessment is based on two questions raised by the Commission related to applications for the placing of the maize on the market by Monsanto under Regulation (EC) No 258/97 on novel food and under Directive 2001/18/EC on the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment.
In the first question, the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms was asked to assess the safety of foods and food ingredients derived from NK 603 maize, and in the second question, it was requested to determine whether there is any scientific reason to believe that the placing on the market of NK 603 maize, for import and processing, is likely to cause any adverse effects on human health, or in this context, on the environment. These questions followed two separate scientific assessments which were initially carried out in the Netherlands and Spain and subsequently evaluated by all other Member States. The EFSA assessment was requested by the Commission because of additional questions raised as a result of these Member State evaluations. EU legislation requires that, in such cases, EFSA should carry out a further assessment and provide an opinion.
In delivering these opinions the Panel considered the applications and additional information provided by the applicant and the specific questions and concerns raised by the Member States. At the request of the Commission, the Panel has provided two separate opinions. However, as both dossiers cover to a large extent the same issues, a single risk assessment has been provided for both opinions.
NK603 maize has been developed for resistance to “Roundup” herbicide by introducing a glyphosate tolerant gene. The risk assessment process was conducted using the 2003 EU scientific guidance for the risk assessment of genetically modified plants and derived food and feed1.
The opinions are on the EFSA web site at:
http://www.efsa.eu.int/p_gmo_en.html
For more background information about the European Food Safety Authority, go to:
http://www.efsa.eu.int/
1 EC, 2003. Guidance document for the risk assessment of genetically modified plants and derived food and feed, prepared by the Joint Working Group on Novel Foods and GMOs, 6-7 March 2003. http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/ssc/out327_en.pdf
4 DECEMBER 2003
Embargoed until 4 December 2003, 18.00 CET
PRESS RELEASE
The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) has published today two opinions on genetically modified (GM) maize NK603. The Panel has concluded that the herbicide-tolerant GM maize NK 603 is as safe as conventional maize and therefore that its placing on the market -- for import for processing and food or feed use-- is unlikely to have an adverse effect on human or animal health, or in this context, on the environment.
“These opinions have been requested as the first of a series of risk assessments of different GM plant varieties,” said Dr. Harry Kuiper, Chair of the Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). “Our Scientific Panel was recently asked to review the evidence presented on GM maize NK 603 in order to evaluate its safety. A comprehensive environmental assessment was not conducted as the applications for GM maize NK 603 concern only import and processing, but not cultivation of the maize. The risk assessment process included examination of: the DNA integrated into NK 603; the nature and safety of the target proteins produced by the transgenic event and; the possibility that the genetic modification may have influenced the safety, allergenicity and nutritional value of NK 603 in comparison with conventional maize.“ Having considered all of the evidence provided, the Panel concluded that NK 603 maize is as safe as conventional maize and therefore the placing on the market of NK 603 maize – for import for processing and food or feed use—is unlikely to have an adverse effect on human or animal health, or in this context, on the environment. Following EFSA’s scientific risk assessment, the Commission will draft proposals concerning the possible authorisation of NK 603 maize for consultation of the Member States in a Regulatory Committee.
Background
These opinions relate to the risk assessment of a new GM maize (NK603 “Roundup Ready” maize) and of food and feed products derived from it. This maize type has been genetically modified to provide tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate (commonly formulated as “Roundup”). The stated purpose of this modification is to allow farmers to manage weeds more effectively in maize fields during cultivation.
The risk assessment is based on two questions raised by the Commission related to applications for the placing of the maize on the market by Monsanto under Regulation (EC) No 258/97 on novel food and under Directive 2001/18/EC on the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment.
In the first question, the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms was asked to assess the safety of foods and food ingredients derived from NK 603 maize, and in the second question, it was requested to determine whether there is any scientific reason to believe that the placing on the market of NK 603 maize, for import and processing, is likely to cause any adverse effects on human health, or in this context, on the environment. These questions followed two separate scientific assessments which were initially carried out in the Netherlands and Spain and subsequently evaluated by all other Member States. The EFSA assessment was requested by the Commission because of additional questions raised as a result of these Member State evaluations. EU legislation requires that, in such cases, EFSA should carry out a further assessment and provide an opinion.
In delivering these opinions the Panel considered the applications and additional information provided by the applicant and the specific questions and concerns raised by the Member States. At the request of the Commission, the Panel has provided two separate opinions. However, as both dossiers cover to a large extent the same issues, a single risk assessment has been provided for both opinions.
NK603 maize has been developed for resistance to “Roundup” herbicide by introducing a glyphosate tolerant gene. The risk assessment process was conducted using the 2003 EU scientific guidance for the risk assessment of genetically modified plants and derived food and feed1.
The opinions are on the EFSA web site at:
http://www.efsa.eu.int/p_gmo_en.html For more background information about the European Food Safety Authority, go to:
http://www.efsa.eu.int/ 1 EC, 2003. Guidance document for the risk assessment of genetically modified plants and derived food and feed, prepared by the Joint Working Group on Novel Foods and GMOs, 6-7 March 2003.
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/ssc/out327_en.pdf
j.
Comments
Hide the following 4 comments
Not likely!
05.12.2003 00:35
It is extremely unlikely that this mutant maize will be commercially released in the EU.
First, there has to be a market for it. There isn't a market for it, as no food
manufacturer in the EU will buy GM maize!
Fortunately, the EU has a requirement that GM maize be labelled, if present. This acts as a very effective deterrant for the manufacturer who does not want their product to be seen as tainted/contaminated, so will not use the GM varieties.
gmfreeman
unlikely?
05.12.2003 10:46
>First, there has to be a market for it. There isn't a market for it, as no food
>manufacturer in the EU will buy GM maize!
A market can be artificially created. This would not be difficult, as Monsanto is the company behind the NK603 and also behind the glyphosate it resists (sold under the name "Roundup"). So, if Roundup is pushed aggressively enough, it may force the use of the NK603.
>Fortunately, the EU has a requirement that GM maize be labelled, if present. This acts >as a very effective deterrant for the manufacturer who does not want their product to be >seen as tainted/contaminated, so will not use the GM varieties.
Absolutely. But the press release mentions that the NK603 is being considered for "import and processing, but not cultivation". It would therefore be sown somewhere outside the EU, which would multiply the number of intermediaries. So the question becomes under what shape would the NK603 arrive in the EU and whether it would be affected by that requirement under those circumstances.
j.
politics and commerce
06.12.2003 21:24
just prior to mansanto pulling the plug on its UK based GM trials, the Danish Government banned Round up. Mansantos biggest income earner, and the very reason for 'Round up' ready maize. The ban was due to scientists discovering that Round up was not quickley made inert on contact with soil,as mansanto had claimed for years, and was in fact finding its way into the water table.
Mansanto would be very happy to have a reason to bring back the crop which relies so heavily, in fact almost entirely, on a now suspicious weedkiller, the maize may be immune/tolerant to Glyphosate, but what about the people who drink the water?
gerrad houligan
re last comment
07.12.2003 16:45
corrective