Assessment of genetically modified maize DAS1131 (application GMFF-2021-1530)

Abstract

Genetically modified maize DAS1131 was developed to confer resistance to certain susceptible lepidopteran pests, as well as tolerance to glyphosate herbicide, these properties were achieved by introducing the cry1Da2 and dgt-28 epsps expression cassettes. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics tested between maize DAS1131 and its conventional counterpart needs further assessment, except for crude fat in grain which does not raise safety and nutritional concerns. The Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO Panel) does not identify safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of the Cry1Da2 and DGT-28 EPSPS proteins as expressed in maize DAS1131 and finds no evidence that the genetic modification would change the overall allergenicity of maize DAS1131. In the context of this application, the consumption of food and feed from maize DAS1131 does not represent a nutritional concern in humans and animals. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DAS1131 is as safe as the conventional counterpart and the non-GM maize varieties tested, and no post-market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of release of maize DAS1131 into the environment, including viable grains, this would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post-market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of maize DAS1131. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DAS1131 is as safe as its conventional counterpart and the tested non-GM maize varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.