Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1209 of 21 June 2023 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP4114 × MON89034 × MON87411 × DAS-40278-9 and its sub-combinations DAS-40278-9 × DP4114 × MON 87411, MON 89034 × DP4114 × MON 87411, MON 89034 × DAS-40278-9 × MON 87411, MON 89034 × DAS-40278-9 × DP4114, DP4114 × MON 87411, DAS-40278-9 × MON 87411, DAS-40278-9 × DP4114, MON 89034 × DP4114, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Update

The EU has approved the placement on the EU market of foods, ingredients and feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified (GM) maize DP4114 × MON89034 × MON87411 × DAS-40278-9 and its sub-combinations. This approval does not allow the cultivation of this GM maize in the EU.

What is changing?

This Decision allows non-EU countries to export genetically modified (GM) maize DP4114 × MON89034 × MON87411 × DAS-40278-9 and its sub-combinations as food, food ingredients and feed to the EU. It also provides (see Decision Annex) details on the use, labelling and methods of detection.
These GM maizes may not be grown in the EU. Any maize products exported to the EU must be clearly labelled that they are not intended for cultivation. No additional specific labelling requirements are considered necessary.

Why?

The approval is based on favourable EFSA opinion concluding that these GM maizes are safe for human and animal health, as well as safe for the environment. There are also no nutritional concerns associated with consuming these GM maizes.

Timeline

The EU authorisation for these GM maizes remains valid for 10 years.

What are the major implications for exporting countries?

Suppliers of food containing or consisting of these GM maizes have long-term legal security for the export of these products to the EU market.

Background

A list of all authorised GM products can be found on the EU Register of authorised GMOs.

The authorisation of GM crops remains an extremely sensitive political issue in the EU. The authorisation process normally requires EU Member States to authorise or reject applications. In recent years, there has generally not been enough political support (a “qualified majority” of Member States) to reach a decision to either authorise or reject applications. In such cases, as here for GM maize DP4114 × MON89034 × MON87411 × DAS-40278-9 and its sub-combinations, the Commission is permitted to authorise these products in the light of EFSA’s positive risk assessment.

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