Nov 20, 2008 | 8:58 pm

Maize 1507xNK603

Summary of risk assessment

Opinion of the scientific panel on genetically modified organisms (GMO Panel) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Adopted28/03/2006
Conclusion1507xNK603 maize is as safe as conventional maize, and releasing 1507 for processing and food and feed use is unlikely to cause adverse effects on human health and the environment.

 

Comparative study
Basis of comparison Conventional counterpart (isogenic line)
QualitiesSeveral parameters were compared, including: agronomic traits, pollen production, seed size, and external features.
Compositional analysisSeveral parameters were compared, including: nutritients (proteins content, lipids, carbohydrates), minerals and fibre compositions. No differences were observed.

Maize kernels were analysed on the basis of: various fatty acids, amino acids, minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc), vitamins (B1, B2, E, folic acid), and other metabolites. No biologically significant differences were observed.

 

Safety of food and feed
New proteins
(CRY1F +PAT+CP4 EPSPS)		No correspondence to known toxins.

Toxicity tests were conducted on mice and chickens: No negative health effects resulting from the novel proteins were observed.

Allergenicity of the new protein(s)No correspondence with known allergens (amino acid sequence comparison).

The new proteins were rapidly broken down in an artificial digestion system.

Nutritional assessmentA 42 day feeding study was conducted on 840 chickens to check for health effects due to 1507 xNK603 maize. The animals were fed with diets of various compositions.

Data was collected on feed intake, feed efficiency, mortality, bodyweight, and changes in the liver and kidneys. No statistically significant differences were found between test groups fed GM maize and control groups fed conventional maize.

 

Enviromental safety
SurvivebilityMaize is highly domesticated and is not viable outside of cultivation.

1507xNK603 maize does not interact with the environment any differently than its conventional counterpart. (out-crossing, escaping cultivation)

Out-crossingMaize has no cross-compatible wild relatives in Europe. Out-crossingis only possible with maize plants on neighboring fields.
Field trails Evaluation of field trails in Chile during one season (2002-2003).