Scientific opinion supports the import and processing of BASF’s genetically modified crop in the European Union; the application does not cover cultivation.
The European Food Safety Authority’s Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms has concluded that genetically modified RF3 Canola Quality Brassica juncea is as safe as its conventional counterparts.
The assessment covers application EFSA-GMO-NL-2019-158, submitted by BASF Agricultural Solutions. The company is seeking EU authorization to import and process the crop for food and animal feed. Cultivation in the European Union is not included in the application, according to a press release.
Traits Support Hybrid Production and Weed Control
RF3 Canola Quality B. juncea was developed through conventional crossing using genetically modified parental lines.
The crop contains the barstar gene, which restores male fertility as part of a pollination-control system used in hybrid seed production. It also contains the bar gene, which confers tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium herbicides.
No New Food, Feed or Environmental Safety Concerns
Following its assessment, the EFSA GMO Panel found no evidence that RF3 Canola Quality B. juncea presents additional risks to human or animal health. The panel concluded that the crop is as safe and nutritionally equivalent to the conventional varieties used in the comparative assessment.
EFSA also found that accidental release of viable seeds during transport, storage or processing would pose a negligible environmental risk.
Application Moves to EU Decision-Making Stage
EFSA’s scientific opinion informs the European Commission and EU member states as they consider whether to authorize the crop for import, processing and food and feed uses. EFSA itself assesses risk but does not grant market authorization.
The open-access scientific opinion is available in the EFSA Journal.
