Jul 30, 2010 | 2:29 am

Carnation Moonaqua

Summary of risk assessment
 

Opinion of the scientific panel on genetically modified organisms (GMO Panel) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Adopted12/03/2008
ConclusionCarnations of the line Moonaqua are as safe as conventional carnations. Negative impacts on human and animal health, or on the environment, are unlikely through the intended use.

 

Comparative study
Basis of comparison parental variety FE123
QualitiesPetals of carnation variety Moonaqua and the parental variety FE123 were analyzed
for three anthocyanins, namely delphinidin, cyanidin and petunidin.

 

 

Safety of the product
New phytochemicals Anthocyanins, including delphinidin and cyanidin, are authorised food additives in the EU. Delphinidin and cyanidin are present in many foods and in some of them at much higher concentrations than in the petals of carnation Moonaqua, particularly high concentrations being found, for example, in blackcurrants and red grapes.

Given that carnation Moonaqua is not intended for human or animal consumption as food or feed, the GMO Panel sees no reason for concern regarding the presence of delphinidin and cyanidin in petals from carnation Moonaqua.

Allergenicity of the new proteinThe protein is not homologous to known protein toxins (comparision of the sequence of amino data).

 

Enviromental safety
SurvivebilityCarnations are biennial or perennial. Carnation Moonaqua cut stems and flowers have marginal viability, negligible pollen production and little or no viable seed.
OutcrossingThe carnation (Dyanthus caryophyllis) occurs in the mediterranean area as a wild flower. The majority of Dianthus species are self-sterile. Cultivated carnations require pollination by hand to set seed. The cultivated carnation is vegetatively propagated to produce plants for cut flower production. After five to six weeks, carnations produce fertile pollen which is transported mostly by insects. It is unlikely that GM carnations cross out during their life-time, since the usual life expectancy of cut flowers is three weeks.
Non-target-
organisms		The GMO Panel considered that carnation Moonaqua is unlikely to have adverse effects on non-target organisms in the context of the intended use.