Renewed authorisation: Genetically modified soybeans MON 87701 × MON 89788, MON 87701 and 40-3-2 (MON-Ø4Ø32-6)

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1207 of 21 June 2023 renewing the authorisation for placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified soybean MON 87701 × MON 89788 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1212 of 21 June 2023 renewing the authorisation for placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified soybean MON 87701 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1213 of 21 June 2023 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified soybean 40-3-2 (MON-Ø4Ø32-6) pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Update

The EU has renewed the authorisation allowing placement on the EU market of foods, ingredients and feed containing, consisting of or produced from three genetically modified (GM) soybeans: MON 87701 × MON 89788, MON 87701 and 40-3-2 (MON-Ø4Ø32-6). The authorisation does not permit the cultivation of these soybeans in the EU.

What is changing?

This Decision permits the ongoing sale of food, food ingredients and feed containing, consisting of or produced from GM soybean (EU) 2023/1207 on the EU market. The use, labelling and methods of detection related to this GM soybean remain unchanged under the reviewed authorisation (respectively 2012/347, 2012/83, 2012/82 in Annex I). Cultivation of GM soybean MON 87701 × MON 89788, MON 87701 and 40-3-2 (MON-Ø4Ø32-6) is not permitted in the EU.

Why?

These GM soybeans were originally authorised for placement on the EU market in 2012, and a renewal was required. EFSA (2022a, b, c) concluded that there was no evidence of any new hazards or scientific uncertainties that would change the conclusions of the original risk assessment.

Timeline

The EU authorisation for GM soybean MON 87701 × MON 89788, MON 87701 and 40-3-2 (MON-Ø4Ø32-6) will remain valid for 10 years.

What are the major implications for exporting countries?

Suppliers of food containing or consisting of GM soybean MON 87701 × MON 89788, MON 87701 and 40-3-2 (MON-Ø4Ø32-6) 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 soybean, the Commission is permitted to authorise those products in the light of EFSA’s positive risk assessment.

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