European Agency Confirms Safety of GM Potato

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published its scientific assessment of a gene that is present in Amflora, BASF’s genetically modified potato, as well as in other GM products. In the past, EFSA has repeatedly assessed the use of this gene with the scientific name “npt2” and today again concluded that the gene is safe for humans, animals and the environment and that no further scientific work is needed. The mandate to carry out an additional safety assessment on the npt2 gene was given by the EU Commission in May 2008.

Today’s assessment gives the entire EU Commission the final scientific clarity to approve Amflora,” said Stefan Marcinowski, member of the board of executive directors of BASF SE. “I am pleased, since the EU Commission stated in May 2008 that it will approve Amflora ‘if and when’ EFSA has confirmed the safety of the product.”

In its current scientific opinion, EFSA concluded that “no new scientific evidence has become available that would prompt the panel to change its previous opinions” on the use of the npt2 marker gene. These previous opinions stated that the use of the npt2 gene does not pose a risk to human or animal health or to the environment.

“Two minority opinions were expressed and extensively considered during the preparation of the joint opinion and no further clarification or scientific work were needed at this time,” according to EFSA’s Web site.

The documents are available on the EFSA Web site.

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