Testbiotech comment on Assessment of genetically modified maize MON 87411 for food and feed uses, import and processing, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2015-124) of company Monsanto

Companies such as Monsanto & Bayer sell transgenic seeds to grow plants that continually produce insecticides throughout the growing season. Therefore, insects are permanently exposed to the insecticides and can adapt rapidly. This is especially the case with Bt toxins such as Cry3Bb1 produced in maize MON87411. In many maize growing regions of the US, the corn rootworm has already lost its susceptibility and developed resistance. In order to enhance insecticidal toxicity, Cry3Bb1 is now combined with dsRNA. Maize MON87411 also produces an insecticidal miRNA (DvSnf7 dsRNA). In addition, it has been made resistant to glyphosate; and was genetically engineered using Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Regulation (EU) No 503/2013, which foresees 90-day animal feeding studies, an extended literature review, specific monitoring requirements and specific statistical analysis was applied in the risk assessment of maize MON87441.