Testbiotech comment on EFSA assessment of genetically engineered maize DP4114 x MON810 x MIR604 x NK603 and subcombinations, for food and feed uses, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2018-150) from Pioneer

The EFSA GMO panel assessed the stacked maize DP4114 x MON810 x MIR604 x NK603 derived from crossing three genetically engineered maize events (EFSA, 2022a). The parental plants were assessed by EFSA in previous opinions. The maize contains genes conferring resistance to two herbicides: glufosinate and glyphosate, and produces five insecticidal cry proteins:

• DP4114 expresses Cry1F, Cry34Ab1, Cry35Ab1 and PAT enzymes which confer resistance to glufosinate-containing herbicides;
• MON810 expresses Cry1Ab;
• MIR604 expresses mCry3A and PMI (marker gene for selection);
• NK603 expressing two variants of CP4 EPSPS protein for tolerance to glyphosate-containing herbicides.

Implementing Regulation 503/2013 was applied in the EFSA risk assessment. However, data on most of the subcombinations are missing.