Authorisation: import of various genetically modified maizes

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2133 of 13 October 2023 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MIR162 × NK603 × DAS-40278-9 and nine sub-combinations

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2134 of 13 October 2023 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87419

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2143 of 13 October 2023 renewing the authorisation for placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MIR162

Update

The European Union has approved foods, food ingredients, and feed that contain, consist of, or are produced from various genetically modified (GM) maize varieties to be placed on the EU market. They are MON 89034 × 1507 × MIR162 × NK603 × DAS-40278-9 and nine sub-combinations; MON 87419; and MIR162. These approvals do not allow cultivation of these GM maize varieties within the EU.

What is changing?

These Decisions allow non-EU countries to export to the EU GM maize varieties MON 89034 × 1507 × MIR162 × NK603 × DAS-40278-9 and nine sub-combinations; MON 87419; and MIR162 as food, food ingredients, and feed. The Annex of each Decision provides details on their use, labelling, and methods of detection.

These GM maizes may not be grown in the EU. Feed and products other than food and food ingredients containing these maize varieties must be clearly labelled as “not for cultivation”. No additional specific labelling requirements are necessary.

Why?

The approval is based on favourable EFSA opinions concluding that these GM maize varieties are safe for human and animal health, as well as for the environment (EFSA 2022a, 2022b, 2023). There are no nutritional concerns associated with consuming these genetically modified maizes.

Timeline

These Decisions apply for a period of 10 years.

What are the major implications for exporting countries?

Suppliers of food or feed containing or consisting of these GM maizes have long-term legal security to export 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 for these GM maizes, the Commission is permitted to authorise products in the light of EFSA’s positive risk assessment.

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