The European Commission today authorised the placing on the market of three genetically modified maize lines. Two of these, GA21 and MON863, were authorised for use as food and food ingredients. The third, MON863x810, was authorised for import and industrial processing.

In line with EU labelling and traceability rules, the three maize types and any product containing them will have to clearly indicate that they have been genetically modified.

The Commission’s decisions follow after Council did not reach a qualified majority to either approve or reject proposals for the authorisation of these GMOs. In such a case, the Commission has to adopt a decision.

The authorisations will remain valid for 10 years, and they result from applications submitted by the producer company, Monsanto. GA21 maize is genetically modified to be tolerant of “Roundup-Ready” herbicide, thus improving weed management and crop production, while MON863 is modified to have resistance against corn root borer, a beetle which can cause severe damage to maize crops. MON863x810 has been made resistant to corn rootworm and certain other pests.

The three GM maize crops are not authorised for cultivation in the EU. GA21 and MON863 are the last 2 GM foods to be authorised under the Novel Food Regulation (258/97), which, since 18 April 2004, has been replaced by Regulation 1829/2003 for GM food and feed.

MON863x810 is the fourth GM line to be authorised under Directive 2001/18 on the deliberate release of GMOs into the environment.

Source: European Commission - Midday Express