EFSA publishes positive opinion regarding cultivation of genetically engineered maize 59122

26 March 2013 Today the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) published a positive opinion regarding the cultivation of genetically engineered maize 59122. Jointly marketed by the US seed and agrochemical companies, Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences, it produces two Bt toxins (Cry34Ab1 and Cry35Ab1) and is tolerant to pesticides containing glufosinate as the active ingredient. EFSA´s opinion doesn't include the use of glufosinate as maize 59122 will not be commercialised as a herbicide tolerant plant.

According to EFSA, recommendations for the cultivation of four other maize lines will be published soon. Altogether, twelve genetically engineered crops intended for cultivation are now at an advanced stage of the European approval process. Testbiotech has made information on the different crops available in a detailed table and a short overview.