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transgenic maize introduced into EU market?
j. - 04.12.2003 13:59
EFSA issues opinions on new GM maize: NK 603 maize considered as safe as conventional maize
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
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| Read more about: natuur, dier en mens | | supplements | | | waardeloos onderzoek | brp/ - 04.12.2003 14:11
"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."
| | ter overweging | 04.12.2003 16:53
hoorde laatst een gesprek met een wetenschapper die zich ophield met de manipulatie van gewassen;zoals het mij ter oren kwam, ik vond de man heel reeël en realistisch spreken, daar niet van, hij zei een paar dingen waar ik zelf niet zo goed over uit kan,
- de kruisbestuiving met andere-/gelijksoortige gewassen
is onmogelijk
- de gemanipuleerde gewassen hebben geen overlevingskans op eigen kracht...
dan vraag ik me weer af, waarom durven ze deze gewassen dan in de waagschaal te werpen als voedselbevoorrading, misschien zelfs voor de hele wereld?
waarom zorg je er dan niet liever voor, dat dat wat heel is goed verzorgd gehandhaafd blijft en in zijn 'ras-waarden' sterk blijft, opdat je er inderdaad een voedselvoorraad op kan bouwen?
Een iets wat ik dan wčl leerde op school en wat ik dan ook wel weer eens hier kwijt wilde,is dat zoals het dan heet- heterogene bossen (=meerdere soorten bomen door elkaar/in dit geval) meer overlevings kans hebben (in de afweer van schimmels bv.), dan homo-gene bossen (=enkelvoudig soort/deze zijn kwetsbaarder in hun afweermechanisme en zodoende eerder geruďneerd en weggevaagd dan die heterogene-bossen).
en waarom zie je overal precies de mono-landbouw gehandhaaft blijven?
of heb ik zelf last van vreemde hersenspinsels, vooral omdat ik er vanzelf ook het fijne niet van weet?
| | European Agency Calls Biotech Corn Safe | Associated Press, Fri, Dec. 05, 2003 - 05.12.2003 15:32
"Adding to pressure on European Union governments to lift their blockade on new biotech crops, the European Food Safety Authority said Thursday that Monsanto's Roundup Ready corn is as safe as conventional corn and "unlikely" to have any negative health effects." more,
http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/business/7419018.htm
| | in februari op de markt misschien | fwd/ - 05.12.2003 15:36
" The first GMO opinion from the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) will open the way for the Commission to draft proposals on authorising NK 603 maize for consultation by member states in a regulatory committee, the decision could be as early as January or February next year. " http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news-NG.asp?id=48227
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