The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms has published its scientific opinion on genetically modified soybean MON 94313 for food and feed use. After a full risk assessment, the Panel concluded that MON 94313 is as safe as conventional soybeans and non-GM reference varieties with regard to human and animal health and the environment.
MON 94313 was engineered to tolerate four herbicide groups: dicamba, glufosinate, 2,4-D, and mesotrione-based herbicides. This trait was achieved by introducing the dmo, pat, ft_t.1, and tdo expression cassettes. EFSA assessed the event’s molecular characteristics and compared its agronomic, phenotypic, and compositional profiles with those of conventional soybeans. While minor differences were observed in methionine and the protein Gly m Bd 28K, EFSA’s additional evaluation found no associated safety or nutritional concerns, according to a press release.
EFSA also reported no evidence that the expressed DMO, PAT, FT_T.1, and TDO proteins are toxic or allergenic. It concluded that food and feed from MON 94313 do not raise nutritional concerns and that post-market monitoring is not considered necessary. Finally, the Panel found no environmental safety concerns in the EU in the event of accidental seed spillage or the release of processed materials.
Read the scientific opinion in the EFSA Journal.
