March 13, 2008

EU sees no human and animal risk from Bayer's GM oilseed

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently concluded that Bayer's GM oilseed rape variety, the T45, posts no detrimental effect on human or animal health.

Bayer CropScience applied for approval for the variety in 2005. Its application covers food and animal feed uses, including importing and processing, but does not include cultivation.

However, the positive opinion from EFSA on the GM oilseed rape's intended uses does not mean that the variety will automatically be approved.

A consultation on the opinion is open for the next month, whereafter the final go-ahead can only be granted by the European Commission.

T45 is designed to be tolerant to the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium, is meant for cultivation in the oilseed-growing areas of the United States.

Presently, only GM corn (Monsanto and Bayer) is authorised for cultivation in Europe, though some states are facing a legal challenge because they have decided not to allow the cultivation.