EFSA Approves GM Corn DAS1131 and Enzymes Amidst Safety Assessments

On March 19, 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published risk assessment reports regarding the consumption, feed use, import, and processing applications for genetically modified corn DAS1131. The reports also covered safety evaluations for food enzymes produced by genetically modified strains of Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger.

Developed by Corteva Agriscience, GM corn DAS1131 expresses the Cry1Da2 protein sourced from Bacillus thuringiensis and the EPSPS protein from streptomyces, granting it resistance to lepidopteran pests and tolerance to glyphosate herbicides. This genetically modified corn has already received approval for food and feed use in both the United States and Brazil.

The food enzyme produced by the GM Bacillus subtilis strain is primarily utilized in the production of baked goods, while the enzyme from the GM Aspergillus niger strain is mainly employed in processing grains and other plant-based or fungal products.

The EFSA GMO Panel concluded that GM corn DAS1131 poses no food or feed safety and nutritional concerns. It is considered equally safe for human and animal health as its conventional counterparts, with no significant environmental impacts anticipated.

Additionally, the EFSA food enzyme panel determined that both food enzymes, under intended conditions of use, do not present safety issues.

These findings mark a significant step forward in the acceptance of genetically modified organisms in the EU, potentially opening new avenues for agricultural innovation and food production.