Risk assessment of new sequencing information on GM maize event DAS-59122-7

Area of Science:

• Genetics and biotechnology
• Food safety assessment
• Plant science

Background:

• The EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO Panel) previously assessed GM maize DAS-59122-7.
• Previous assessments concluded GM maize DAS-59122-7 was as safe as conventional counterparts for human/animal health and the environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze new sequencing data and bioinformatic analyses for GM maize DAS-59122-7.
• To determine if previous safety conclusions by the GMO Panel remain valid.

Main Methods:

• Review of new nucleic acid sequencing data and updated bioinformatic analyses for maize event DAS-59122-7.
• Application of established GMO risk assessment principles by the GMO Panel.
• Comparison of new sequencing data with original data used in prior assessments.

Main Results:

• New sequencing data revealed three base pair differences compared to original data.
• These differences were present in the original plant material and did not alter the risk assessment.
• Updated bioinformatic analyses did not raise new safety concerns.

Conclusions:

• The studies performed for the original risk assessment remain valid.
• New sequencing data and bioinformatic analyses did not indicate safety issues.
• The GMO Panel's original risk assessment for maize event DAS-59122-7 is confirmed as valid.