Authorisations of genetically modified maizes for use in food and feed

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1822 of 2 July 2024 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP915635 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1826 of 2 July 2024 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP23211 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1828 of 2 July 2024 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of feed containing, consisting of and of food and feed products produced from genetically modified maize MON 810 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1207

Update

The EU has authorised the sale of the following genetically modified organisms on its market:

• genetically modified maize DP915635
• genetically modified maize DP23211.

In addition, the EU has also renewed the authorisation for placing on the market products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize MON 810.

All three authorisations concern the use of the genetically modified organisms in food, food ingredients, feed, and products for any other uses except for cultivation.

Impacted Products

Food, food ingredients, and feed products containing genetically modified maizes DP915635, DP23211, and MON 810

What is changing?

The EU has authorised the sale on its market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from the following genetically modified organisms:

• genetically modified maize DP915635
• genetically modified maize DP23211.

In addition, the EU has also renewed the authorisation for products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize MON 810 to be placed on the market.

All three authorisations concern use of these genetically modified organisms in food, food ingredients, feed, and products for any other uses except for cultivation.

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

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 that they are “not for cultivation”. No additional specific labelling requirements are necessary.

Why?

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

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 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 maizes, the Commission is permitted to authorise these products in the light of EFSA’s positive risk assessment.

Resources

Sources

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Regulation

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1822 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP915635

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1826 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP23211

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1828 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of feed containing, consisting of and of food and feed products produced from genetically modified maize MON 810

What is changing and why?

The European Union has authorised the sale on the EU market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from the following genetically modified organisms:

• genetically modified maize DP915635
• genetically modified maize DP23211.

In addition, the EU has also renewed the authorisation for products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize MON 810 to be placed on the market.

All three authorisations concern the use of the genetically modified organisms in food, food ingredients, feed, and products for any other uses except for cultivation.

These maize varieties cannot be grown in the EU, and any of these maize products (except food/food ingredients) sent to the EU must be labelled “not for cultivation”. There are no safety or nutritional concerns associated with consuming these genetically modified maizes.

Timeline

These Decisions apply for a period of 10 years.

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