Safety Assessment on Genetically Modified Stacked GA21 X T25 Maize for Food and Feed Uses Under Assimilated Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003 (RP2023)

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) received an application from Syngenta Limited (“the applicant”) under assimilated Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003 for GA21 x T25 maize. GA21 x T25 maize is modified to introduce the mEPSPS and pat transgenes. The corresponding proteins produced confer tolerance to glyphosate herbicide (mEPSPS) and tolerance to glufosinate ammonium herbicide (PAT). The scope of the application is for the authorisation for import, processing, and food and feed use of GA21 x T25 maize. The application does not cover cultivation and no GA21 x T25 maize will be grown in the UK. FSA and FSS reviewed the technical dossier and supplementary information provided by the applicant. The safety assessment included molecular characterisation, a comparative assessment, a food/feed safety assessment encompassing toxicity and allergenicity assessments, and a nutritional assessment. Advice on the environmental risk assessment from the Advisory Committee on Release to the Environment (ACRE) was also taken into account by FSA/FSS who concluded that genetically modified GA21 x T25 maize is as safe as the conventional counterpart. This safety assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.