DP-2Ø2216-6 maize does not adversely affect rats in a 90-day feeding study

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Toxicology
• Genetically Modified Organisms

Background:

• Maize event DP-2Ø2216-6 (DP202216) was developed for herbicide tolerance and enhanced yield.
• Regulatory approval requires comprehensive safety assessments, including rodent feeding studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety of consuming maize grain from event DP202216.
• To assess potential toxicological effects in rats fed diets containing DP202216 maize.

Main Methods:

• A 90-day feeding study was conducted using Crl:CD®(SD) rats.
• Rats were fed diets containing 50% ground maize grain from DP202216, a non-transgenic control, and three reference varieties.
• Comprehensive evaluations included survival, body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology, and histopathology.

Main Results:

• No biologically relevant or toxicologically significant differences were observed between rats fed DP202216 maize and control groups.
• Parameters assessed included survival, body weight, food intake, clinical/neurobehavioral tests, ophthalmology, clinical pathology, and organ weights.

Conclusions:

• Maize grain from event DP202216 is as safe and nutritious as conventional maize.
• The study supports the safety of consuming genetically modified maize and adds to existing safety data.