EFSA statement on the recent CRIIGEN publication on MON 863 maize

EFSA is aware of the recently presented publication by the CRIIGEN research group on genetically modified maize MON 863 containing a revised statistical analysis of the 90 day rat study considered in the risk assessment A specialised field of applied science that involves reviewing scientific data and studies in order to evaluate risks associated with certain hazards. It involves four steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation.  EFSA will carefully evaluate this new publication and its new statistical analysis including any possible significance this publication may have on the risk assessment of MON 863. MON 863 maize has been subject to a comprehensive risk assessment by EFSA[1] and by other authorities[2][3][4] which did not identify any adverse effects on human and animal health or the environment. The 90 day rat study analysed by CRIIGEN is one element of the comprehensive risk assessment of MON863 maize. The CRIIGEN analysis findings on MON 863 will be discussed by the GMO A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism which contains genetic material that has been deliberately altered and which does not occur naturally through breeding or selection Panel at its next meeting to be held in Parma on 22/23 March 2007.