The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) reported December 4 that it has concluded that Monsanto’s herbicide-tolerant, genetically modified maize NK 603 is as safe as conventional maize. The panel also concluded that placing this genetically modified maize on the market -- for import for processing and food or feed use-- is unlikely to have an adverse effect on human or animal health, or in this context, on the environment.

“These opinions have been requested as the first of a series of risk assessments of different GM plant varieties,” said Dr. Harry Kuiper, Chair of the Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).

A comprehensive environmental assessment was not conducted as the applications for GM maize NK 603 concern only import and processing, but not cultivation of the maize.

NK 603 maize has been genetically modified to provide tolerance to the herbicide, glyphosate (commonly formulated as “Roundup”). The stated purpose of this modification is to allow farmers to manage weeds more effectively in maize fields during cultivation.

The risk assessment process was conducted using the 2003 EU scientific guidance for the risk assessment of genetically modified plants and derived food and feed.