.

The European Commission has requested that EFSA examine the recently published CRIIGEN study on genetically modified maize MON 863, to identify any consequences for EFSA’s existing opinion [2] on the safety of MON 863 as regards food and feed safety. This subject was discussed at EFSA’s GMO Panel meeting on March 22/23. EFSA will be consulting Member States to ascertain whether there is any further relevant data that may also help inform its response to the Commission. This work will take a few weeks. Based on the work of the GMO Panel, and input from Member States, EFSA will then give its considered response to the Commission. This will address the statistical analysis in this study and any possible implications.

[1] Committee for Independent Research and Genetic Engineering
[2] http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/science/gmo/gmo_opinions/381.html and http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/science/gmo/gmo_opinions/383.html

March 15, 2007

EFSA is aware of the recently presented publication by the CRIIGEN* research group on genetically modified maize MON 863 containing a revised statistical analysis of the 90 day rat study considered in the risk assessment.

EFSA will carefully evaluate this new publication and its new statistical analysis including any possible significance this publication may have on the risk assessment of MON 863.

MON 863 maize has been subject to a comprehensive risk assessment by EFSA and by other authorities which did not identify any adverse effects on human and animal health or the environment.

The 90 day rat study analysed by CRIIGEN is one element of the comprehensive risk assessment of MON863 maize.

The CRIIGEN analysis findings on MON 863 will be discussed by the GMO Panel at its next meeting to be held in Parma on 22/23 March 2007.

* Committee for Independent Research and Genetic Engineering

- http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/science/gmo/gmo_opinions/381.html  and http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/science/gmo/gmo_opinions/383.html
- Australia/New Zealand: http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/A484_Final_Assessment_Report.pdf
- Canada: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm/appro/cry3bb1_e.html
- France: http://www.afssa.fr/Ftp/Afssa/22026-22027.pdf

The news item on this page is copyright by the organization where it originated - Fair use notice

Other news from this source