European Union Evaluates the Safety of Genetically Modified Maize MON 94804 in Food and Feed

In a recent development, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has conducted an assessment regarding the safety of genetically modified maize MON 94804 for its use in food and feed. This evaluation was carried out in response to a request from the European Commission. The findings of the assessment provide insights into the safety aspects of this genetically modified crop.

The European Union has undertaken a thorough evaluation to assess the safety of genetically modified maize MON 94804 for its utilization in food and feed. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was tasked by the European Commission to analyze the potential risks associated with this genetically modified organism (GMO).

After a comprehensive assessment, the GMO expert panel of EFSA has concluded that genetically modified maize MON 94804 poses no significant safety concerns for human and animal health or the environment. The assessment compared the safety aspects of MON 94804 with its conventional counterpart and tested non-genetically modified maize varieties. The results indicate that MON 94804 is as safe as these counterparts.

The genetic modification introduced in MON 94804 aims to reduce plant height by incorporating the GA20ox_SUP suppression cassette. Molecular characterization and bioinformatic analyses conducted as part of the assessment did not reveal any issues that would warrant further food and feed safety evaluation. Agronomic, phenotypic, and compositional differences identified between MON 94804 and its conventional counterpart were deemed non-significant from a safety and nutritional perspective. Only certain aspects, such as ear height, plant height, and levels of carbohydrates in forage, were found to have no safety or nutritional implications.

The GMO expert panel of EFSA also evaluated the potential toxicity and allergenicity of the GA20ox_SUP precursor-miRNA and derived mature miRNA expressed in MON 94804. The assessment found no safety concerns related to these aspects and no evidence suggesting that the genetic modification alters the overall allergenicity of MON 94804. Therefore, the consumption of food and feed derived from MON 94804 is not considered a nutritional concern for humans and animals.

Based on the evaluation results, the GMO expert panel concludes that MON 94804 is as safe as its conventional counterpart and the tested non-genetically modified maize varieties in terms of potential effects on human and animal health as well as the environment. Consequently, no post-market monitoring of food and feed derived from MON 94804 is deemed necessary. In the event of accidental release of viable MON 94804 grains into the environment, no environmental safety concerns are expected to arise.

In conclusion, the European Union's evaluation affirms the safety of genetically modified maize MON 94804 for its use in food and feed. The comprehensive assessment conducted by the EFSA indicates that MON 94804 is as safe as its conventional counterpart and tested non-genetically modified maize varieties, with no significant risks identified for human and animal health or the environment.