Authorisation of genetically modified maizes

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2618 of 8 October 2024 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP202216 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2628 of 8 October 2024 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2629 of 8 October 2024 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and eight of its sub-combinations pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Update

The EU has authorised the sale of food, food ingredients, and feed containing genetically modified (GM) maize DP202216. It has also renewed the authorisation of GM maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603, and MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and eight of its sub-combinations.

These authorisations do not allow the cultivation of these maize varieties in the EU.

Impacted Products

Maize

What is changing?

The EU has authorised the sale of GM maize DP202216, and renewed the authorisation of GM maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603, and MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and eight of its sub-combinations.

All three authorisations concern use of these genetically modified organisms in food, food ingredients, and feed. This maize may not be grown in the EU.

These Implementing Decisions provide details on the use, labelling, and methods of detection (see Annexes to each Decision).

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 European Food Safety Authority, in its scientific opinions (EFSA 2024a, 2024b, 2024c), concluded that these GMOs are safe under the applicants’ proposed conditions of use.

Timeline

These authorisations are valid 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 for the export of these products to the EU market.

Background

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

The authorisation of GM crops remains an extremely sensitive political issue in the EU. The 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 maizes, the European Commission is permitted to authorise these products in the light of EFSA’s positive risk assessment. The European Parliament has consistently adopted resolutions objecting to the authorisation of GMOs for feed and food.

Resources

Sources