Date: 2021-01-26Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: Europe
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/61 of 22 January 2021 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 and genetically modified maize combining two, three or four of the single events MON 87427, MON 87460, MON 89034, MIR162 and NK603, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document C(2021) 255) (Only the Dutch text is authentic) (Text with EEA relevance)
Issued by European Commission
· Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety
Executive Summary:
This Commission Implementing Decision EU 2021/61 authorizes the placing on the market of genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 and its subcombinations for food, feed, and other uses (excluding cultivation) within the European Union, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003. It assigns unique identifiers to these GMOs and specifies labeling and monitoring requirements. The decision is valid for 10 years from the date of its notification.
Key Points / Main Content:
Authorizations:
* Authorizes the placing on the market of foods, food ingredients, and feed containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 and 14 specified subcombinations.
* Authorizes the placing on the market of products containing or consisting of the same genetically modified maize for uses other than food and feed, excluding cultivation.
Labelling Requirements:
* The name of the organism on labels must be "maize".
* Products containing or consisting of the genetically modified maize (excluding food products) must be labeled with "not for cultivation".
Detection Method:
* Quantitative event-specific PCR detection methods, validated for individual events, are to be used for detection.
Monitoring and Reporting:
* The authorization holder must implement a monitoring plan for environmental effects.
* Annual reports on the implementation and results of the monitoring plan must be submitted to the Commission.
Community Register:
* Relevant information on the authorization will be entered into the Community register of genetically modified food and feed.
Authorization Holder:
* Bayer CropScience LP, United States, represented by Bayer Agriculture BV, Belgium, is the authorization holder.
Validity:
* The decision is valid for 10 years from the date of its notification.
Unique Identifiers:
* Assigns specific unique identifiers to each of the genetically modified maize variants covered by the decision, as detailed in Article 1.
Impact Analysis:
Bayer CropScience LP/Bayer Agriculture BV:
* Impact: Holds the authorization for placing the genetically modified maize products on the market.
* Action Required: Implement the monitoring plan, submit annual reports, and ensure correct labeling.
European Food Producers and Feed Manufacturers:
* Impact: Can legally use the authorized genetically modified maize and its subcombinations in their products.
* Action Required: Ensure compliance with labeling requirements.
European Consumers:
* Impact: May consume food products containing the authorized genetically modified maize.
* Action Required: No specific action required, but can make informed choices based on labeling.
EU Member States:
* Impact: Responsible for enforcing the regulations and monitoring environmental effects within their territories.
* Action Required: Incorporate the decision into national law and monitor compliance.
Key Entities Referenced
European Union: The political and economic union of European countries.
Commission Implementing Decision EU 2021/61: A decision by the European Commission authorizing the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize.
Regulation EC No 1829/2003: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on genetically modified food and feed.
Monsanto Europe S.A.N.V.: The original applicant representing Monsanto Company, United States, for the placing on the market of genetically modified maize.
Netherlands: The member state to whose national competent authority the application was submitted.
European Food Safety Authority: The Authority that issued a favorable opinion on the genetically modified maize.
Bayer CropScience LP, United States: The current authorisation holder for the genetically modified maize.
Bayer Agriculture BV, Belgium: The Union representation of Bayer CropScience LP.
L 26/12 E N O f f i c i a l J o u r n a l o f t h e E u r o p e a n Union 26.1.2021
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2021/61
of 22 January 2021
authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from
genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 and
genetically modified maize combining two, three or four of the single events MON 87427,
MON 87460, MON 89034, MIR162 and NK603, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the
European Parliament and of the Council
(notified under document C(2021) 255)
(Only the Dutch text is authentic)
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on
genetically modified food and feed(1), and in particular Article 7(3) and Article 19(3) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) On 28 October 2016, Monsanto Europe S.A./N.V. submitted, on behalf of Monsanto company, United States, an
application to the national competent authority of the Netherlands for the placing on the market of foods, food
ingredients and feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87427 ×
MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 (‘the application’) in accordance with Articles 5 and 17 of
Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003. The application also covered the placing on the market of products containing or
consisting of genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 for uses
other than food and feed, with the exception of cultivation. In addition, the application covered the placing on the
market of products containing, consisting of or produced from 25 sub-combinations of those single transformation
events constituting maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603. 11 of those sub-
combinations, MON 87427 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603, MON 87427 × MON 89034 × MIR162,
MON 87427 × MON 89034 × NK603, MON 87427 × MIR162 × NK603, MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603,
MON 87427 × MON 89034, MON 87427 × NK603, MON 87427 × MIR162, MON 89034 × NK603,
MON 89034 × MIR162 and MIR162 × NK603, are already authorised by Commission Implementing Decision (EU)
2021/60(2).
(2) This Decision covers the 14 remaining sub-combinations in the application: MON 87427 × MON 87460 ×
MON 89034 × MIR162, MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × NK603, MON 87427 × MON 87460 ×
MIR162 × NK603, MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603, MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034,
MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MIR162, MON 87427 × MON 87460 × NK603, MON 87460 × MIR162 × NK603,
MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162, MON 87460 × MON 89034 × NK603, MON 87427 × MON 87460,
MON 87460 × MIR162, MON 87460 × NK603 and MON 87460 × MON 89034.
(1) OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 1.
(2) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/60 of 22 January 2021 authorising the placing on the market of products containing,
consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 and genetically modified
maize combining two or three of the single events MON 87427, MON 89034, MIR162 and NK603, and repealing Implementing
Decision (EU) 2018/1111 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (see page 5 of
this Official Journal).26.1.2021 E N O f f i c i a l J o u r n a l o f t h e E u r o p e a n Union L 26/13
(3) In accordance with Article 5(5) and Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, the application included
information and conclusions about the risk assessment carried out in accordance with the principles set out in
Annex II to Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(3). It also included the
information required pursuant to Annexes III and IV to that Directive and a monitoring plan for environmental
effects in accordance with Annex VII to that Directive.
(4) On 8 August 2019, the European Food Safety Authority ('the Authority') issued a favourable opinion in accordance
with Articles 6 and 18 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003(4). The Authority concluded that genetically modified
maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 and its sub-combinations, as described in
the application, are as safe as and nutritionally equivalent to their non-genetically modified comparator and the
tested non-genetically modified reference varieties with respect to the potential effects on human and animal health
and the environment.
(5) The Authority concluded that genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 ×
NK603, as described in the application, is as safe as and nutritionally equivalent to the non-genetically modified
comparator and the tested non-genetically modified reference varieties. No new safety concerns were identified for
the previously assessed sub-combinations and therefore previous conclusions on those sub-combinations remain
valid. As regards the remaining sub-combinations, the Authority concluded that they are expected to be as safe as
and nutritionally equivalent to the single transformation events MON 87427, MON 87460, MON 89034, MIR162
and NK603, the previously assessed sub-combinations and the five-event stack maize MON 87427 × MON 87460
× MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603.
(6) In its opinion, the Authority considered all the questions and concerns raised by the Member States in the context of
the consultation of the national competent authorities as provided for in Articles 6(4) and 18(4) of Regulation (EC)
No 1829/2003.
(7) The Authority also concluded that the monitoring plan for environmental effects submitted by the applicant,
consisting of a general surveillance plan, is in line with the intended uses of the products.
(8) Taking into account those conclusions, the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced
from genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603, and of the 14
sub-combinations referred to above and listed in the application, should be authorised for the uses listed in the
application.
(9) By a letter dated 27 August 2018, Monsanto Europe S.A./N.V. informed the Commission that it has converted its
legal form and changed its name to Bayer Agriculture BVBA, Belgium.
(10) By a letter dated 28 July 2020, Bayer Agriculture BVBA Belgium informed the Commission that, as of 1 August
2020, it converts its legal form and changes its name to Bayer Agriculture BV, Belgium.
(11) By a letter dated 28 July 2020, Bayer Agriculture BVBA Belgium representing Monsanto Company, United States,
informed the Commission that, as of 1 August 2020, Monsanto Company, United States, converts its legal form
and changes its name to Bayer CropScience LP, United States.
(12) A unique identifier should be assigned to each genetically modified organism covered by this Decision, in accordance
with Commission Regulation (EC) No 65/2004(5).
(3) Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment
of genetically modified organisms and repealing Council Directive 90/220/EEC (OJ L 106, 17.4.2001, p. 1).
(4) EFSA GMO Panel (EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms), 2019. Scientific Opinion on the assessment of genetically modified
maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603 and subcombinations, for food and feed uses, under
Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2016-134). EFSA Journal 2019;17(8):5774, https://doi.org/10.2903/j.
efsa.2019.5774
(5) Commission Regulation (EC) No 65/2004 of 14 January 2004 establishing a system for the development and assignment of unique
identifiers for genetically modified organisms (OJ L 10, 16.1.2004, p. 5).L 26/14 E N O f f i c i a l J o u r n a l o f t h e E u r o p e a n Union 26.1.2021
(13) For the products covered by this Decision no specific labelling requirements, other than those provided for in
Article 13(1) and Article 25(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 and in Article 4(6) of Regulation (EC)
No 1830/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council(6), appear to be necessary. However, in order to
ensure that the use of those products remains within the limits of the authorisation granted by this Decision, the
labelling of the products covered by it, with the exception of food products, should contain a clear indication that
they are not intended for cultivation.
(14) The authorisation holder should submit annual reports on the implementation and on the results of the activities set
out in the monitoring plan for environment effects. Those results should be presented in accordance with the
requirements laid down in Commission Decision 2009/770/EC(7).
(15) The opinion of the Authority does not justify the imposition of specific conditions or restrictions for the placing on
the market, for the use and handling, including post-market monitoring requirements regarding the consumption of
food and feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 ×
MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603, or for the protection of particular ecosystems/environment or geographical areas,
as provided for in Article 6(5)(e) and Article 18(5)(e) of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.
(16) All relevant information on the authorisation of the products should be entered in the Community register of
genetically modified food and feed referred to in Article 28(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.
(17) This Decision is to be notified through the Biosafety Clearing-House to the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity, pursuant to Article 9(1) and Article 15(2)(c) of Regulation (EC)
No 1946/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council(8).
(18) The Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed has not delivered an opinion within the time limit laid
down by its Chairman. This implementing act was deemed to be necessary and the chair submitted it to the appeal
committee for further deliberation. The appeal committee did not deliver an opinion,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
Genetically modified organisms and unique identifiers
Genetically modified maize (Zea mays L.), as specified in point (b) of the Annex to this Decision, are assigned the following
unique identifiers, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 65/2004:
(a) the unique identifier MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × SYN-IR162-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 for
genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603;
(b) the unique identifier MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × SYN-IR162-4 for genetically modified
maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162;
(c) the unique identifier MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 for genetically modified
maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × NK603;
(6) Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 concerning the traceability and
labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified
organisms and amending Directive 2001/18/EC (OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 24).
(7) Commission Decision 2009/770/EC of 13 October 2009 establishing standard reporting formats for presenting the monitoring results
of the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms, as or in products, for the purpose of placing on the
market, pursuant to Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 275, 21.10.2009, p. 9).
(8) Regulation (EC) No 1946/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on transboundary movements of
genetically modified organisms (OJ L 287, 5.11.2003, p. 1).26.1.2021 E N O f f i c i a l J o u r n a l o f t h e E u r o p e a n Union L 26/15
(d) the unique identifier MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × SYN-IR162-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 for genetically modified
maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MIR162 × NK603;
(e) the unique identifier MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × SYN-IR162-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 for genetically modified
maize MON 87460 × MON 89034 × MIR162 × NK603;
(f) the unique identifier MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 for genetically modified maize MON 87427 ×
MON 87460 × MON 89034;
(g) the unique identifier MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × SYN-IR162-4 for genetically modified maize MON 87427 ×
MON 87460 × MIR162;
(h) the unique identifier MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 for genetically modified maize
MON 87427 × MON 87460 × NK603;
(i) the unique identifier MON-8746Ø-4 × SYN-IR162-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 for genetically modified maize MON 87460 ×
MIR162 × NK603;
(j) the unique identifier MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × SYN-IR162-4 for genetically modified maize MON 87460 ×
MON 89034 × MIR162;
(k) the unique identifier MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 for genetically modified maize
MON 87460 × MON 89034 × NK603;
(l) the unique identifier MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 for genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460;
(m) the unique identifier MON-8746Ø-4 × SYN-IR162-4 for genetically modified maize MON 87460 × MIR162;
(n) the unique identifier MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 for genetically modified maize MON 87460 × NK603;
(o) the unique identifier MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 for genetically modified maize MON 87460 × MON 89034.
Article 2
Authorisation
The following products are authorised for the purposes of Article 4(2) and Article 16(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003
in accordance with the conditions set out in this Decision:
(a) foods and food ingredients containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize as referred to in
Article 1;
(b) feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize as referred to in Article 1;
(c) products containing or consisting of genetically modified maize as referred to in Article 1 for uses other than those
provided for in points (a) and (b), with the exception of cultivation.
Article 3
Labelling
1. For the purposes of the labelling requirements laid down in Article 13(1) and Article 25(2) of Regulation (EC)
No 1829/2003 and in Article 4(6) of Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003, the ‘name of the organism’ shall be ‘maize’.
2. The words ‘not for cultivation’ shall appear on the label of and in the documents accompanying products containing
or consisting of genetically modified maize as referred to in Article 1, with the exception of products referred to in point (a)
of Article 2.L 26/16 E N O f f i c i a l J o u r n a l o f t h e E u r o p e a n Union 26.1.2021
Article 4
Method for detection
The method set out in point (d) of the Annex shall apply for the detection of genetically modified maize as referred to in
Article 1.
Article 5
Monitoring for environmental effects
1. The authorisation holder shall ensure that the monitoring plan for environmental effects, as set out in point (h) of the
Annex, is put in place and implemented.
2. The authorisation holder shall submit to the Commission annual reports on the implementation and the results of
the activities set out in the monitoring plan in accordance with the format set out in Decision 2009/770/EC.
Article 6
Community register
The information set out in the Annex shall be entered in the Community register of genetically modified food and feed, as
referred to in Article 28(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.
Article 7
Authorisation holder
The authorisation holder shall be Bayer CropScience LP, United States, represented in the Union by Bayer Agriculture BV,
Belgium.
Article 8
Validity
This Decision shall apply for a period of 10 years from the date of its notification.
Article 9
Addressee
This Decision is addressed to Bayer Agriculture BV, Scheldelaan 460, 2040 Antwerp, Belgium.
Done at Brussels, 22 January 2021.
For the Commission
Stella KYRIAKIDES
Member of the Commission26.1.2021 E N O f f i c i a l J o u r n a l o f t h e E u r o p e a n Union L 26/17
ANNEX
(a) Applicant and authorisation holder
Name: Bayer CropScience LP
Address: 800 N. Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63167, United States of America
Represented in the Union by: Bayer Agriculture BV, Scheldelaan 460, 2040 Antwerp, Belgium.
(b) Designation and specification of the products
(1) foods and food ingredients containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize (Zea mays L.) as
referred to in point (e);
(2) feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize (Zea mays L.) as referred to in point (e);
(3) products containing or consisting of genetically modified maize (Zea mays L.) as referred to in point (e) for uses
other than those provided for in points (1) and (2), with the exception of cultivation.
The genetically modified maize MON-87427-7 expresses the CP4 epsps gene, which confers tolerance to glyphosate-
based herbicides.
The genetically modified maize MON-8746Ø-4 expresses a Bacillus subtilis modified cspB gene, which aims to reduce
yield loss caused by drought stress. In addition, the nptII gene, conferring kanamycin and neomycin resistance, was
used as a selection marker in the genetic modification process.
The genetically modified maize MON-89Ø34-3 expresses the cry1A.105 and cry2Ab2 genes, which confer protection
against certain lepidopteran pests.
The genetically modified maize SYN-IR162-4 expresses a modified vip3Aa20 gene, which provides protection against
certain lepidopteran pests. In addition, the pmi gene, coding for the PMI protein, was used as a selection marker in the
genetic modification process.
The genetically modified maize MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 expresses the CP4 epsps and the CP4 epsps L214P genes, which confers
tolerance to glyphosate-based herbicides.
(c) Labelling
(1) For the purposes of the labelling requirements laid down in Article 13(1) and Article 25(2) of Regulation (EC)
No 1829/2003, and in Article 4(6) of Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003, the ‘name of the organism’ shall be ‘maize’;
(2) The words ‘not for cultivation’ shall appear on the label of and in documents accompanying the products
containing or consisting of the genetically modified maize specified in point (e), with the exception of products
referred to in point (b)(1).
(d) Method for detection
(1) The quantitative event-specific PCR detection methods are those individually validated for genetically modified
maize events MON-87427-7, MON-8746Ø-4, MON-89Ø34-3, SYN-IR162-4 and MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 and further
verified on maize MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × SYN-IR162-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6.
(2) Validated by the EU Reference Laboratory established under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, published at http://
gmo-crl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/statusofdossiers.aspx
(3) Reference Material: AOCS 0512 (for MON-87427-7), AOCS 0709 (for MON-8746Ø-4) AOCS 0906 (for MON-
89Ø34-3) and AOCS 1208 (for SYN-IR162-4) are accessible via the American Oil Chemists Society at https://
www.aocs.org/crm#maize and ERM®-BF415 (for MON-ØØ6Ø3-6) is accessible via the Joint Research Centre
(JRC) of the European Commission at https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/reference-materials/catalogueL 26/18 E N O f f i c i a l J o u r n a l o f t h e E u r o p e a n Union 26.1.2021
(e) Unique identifiers
MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × SYN-IR162-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6;
MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × SYN-IR162-4;
MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6;
MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × SYN-IR162-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6;
MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × SYN-IR162-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6;
MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3;
MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × SYN-IR162-4;
MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6;
MON-8746Ø-4 × SYN-IR162-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6;
MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × SYN-IR162-4;
MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6;
MON-87427-7 × MON-8746Ø-4;
MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-89Ø34-3.
MON-8746Ø-4 × SYN-IR162-4;
MON-8746Ø-4 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6;
(f) Information required pursuant to Annex II to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on
Biological Diversity
[Biosafety Clearing-House, Record ID number: published in the Community register of genetically modified food and feed when
notified].
(g) Conditions or restrictions on the placing on the market, use or handling of the products
Not required.
(h) Monitoring plan for environmental effects
Monitoring plan for environmental effects in accordance with Annex VII to Directive 2001/18/EC.
[Link: plan published in the Community register of genetically modified food and feed]
(i) Post-market monitoring requirements for the use of the food for human consumption
Not required.
Note: Links to relevant documents may need to be modified over time. Those modifications will be made available to
the public via the updating of the Community register of genetically modified food and feed.