Assessment of genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 87460 × MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 87411 × 59122 and subcombinations, for food and feed uses, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA‐GMO‐NL‐2017‐139)

Abstract

Maize MON 87427 ×  MON 87460 ×  MON 89034 × 1507 ×  MON 87411 × 59122 (six‐event stack maize) was produced by conventional crossing to combine six single events: MON 87427, MON 87460, MON 89034, 1507, MON 87411 and 59122. The GMO Panel previously assessed the six single maize events and 17 of the subcombinations and did not identify safety concerns. No new data on the single maize events or the 17 subcombinations were identified that could lead to modification of the original conclusions on their safety. The molecular characterisation, comparative analysis (agronomic, phenotypic and compositional characteristics) and the outcome of the toxicological, allergenicity and nutritional assessment indicate that the combination of the single maize events and of the newly expressed proteins and ds RNA in the six‐event stack maize does not give rise to food and feed safety and nutritional concerns. The GMO Panel concludes that the six‐event stack maize, as described in this application, is as safe as its non‐ GM comparator and the selected non‐ GM reference varieties. In the case of accidental release of viable grains of the six‐event stack maize into the environment, this would not raise environmental safety concerns. The GMO Panel assessed the likelihood of interactions among the single events in the 39 maize subcombinations not previously assessed and concludes that these are expected to be as safe as the single events, the previously assessed subcombinations and the six–event stack maize. The post‐market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of the six‐event stack maize. Post‐market monitoring of food/feed is not considered necessary. The GMO Panel concludes that the six‐event stack maize and its subcombinations are as safe as the non‐ GM comparator and the selected non‐ GM reference varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.