On Tuesday 26 February the NGO Testbiotech spoke out to warn of the potential health and environmental dangers of two genetically modified maize varieties from Bayer (Monsanto) that have received a positive opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and may therefore soon be authorised for import into the EU.
These are MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603 × DAS40278-9, MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 × DAS40278-9 and their sub-combinations for food and feed. These plants can resist several classes of herbicides - up to four, namely glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D and AOPP - and can produce up to six insecticides. However, according to Testbiotech, the cumulative effects of pesticide and herbicide residues have not been assessed.
“Instead of giving priority to the protection of health and the environment, EFSA is paving the way for international trade and corporate interests. And despite the majority of EU Member States and the European Parliament repeatedly voting against imports of these crop plants, it is highly likely that the EU Commission will again give its approval”, says Christoph Then for Testbiotech.
In a similar case before the EU Court of Justice (Case C-82/17 P), the Advocate General concluded in 2018 that the Court was not in a position to require a more detailed risk assessment. The final decision is expected this year. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)