Scientific Opinion on objections of a Member State to a notification (Reference C/NL/13/01) for the placing on the market of the genetically modified carnation SHD-27531-4 with a modified colour, for import of cut flowers for ornamental use, under Part C of Directive 2001/18/EC from Suntory Holdings Limited

The European Commission asked the Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA GMO Panel) to address the objections of Cyprus to the placing on the market of the genetically modified (GM) carnation SHD-27531-4. The GM carnation cut flowers, with a modified petal colour, are intended to be imported and distributed in the European Union for ornamental use only. The EFSA GMO Panel responded to the objections of Cyprus, taking into account the limited intended use of carnation SHD-27531-4 and the information available. First, the EFSA GMO Panel concludes that the propagation of carnation SHD-27531-4 by individuals cannot be excluded. However, should this occur, carnation SHD-27531-4 would not show any potential for increased survival, fitness or weediness compared with its parental line. Second, the EFSA GMO Panel is of the opinion that the potential spread of pollen of the GM carnation SHD-27531-4 by Lepidoptera to wild Dianthus species cannot be eliminated but is highly unlikely to occur and, if it did occur, it is very unlikely that viable hybrids would be produced, survive and result in adverse environmental effects. Third, considering the very low potentials for hybridisation and/or seed production of (GM) carnations, the EFSA GMO Panel concludes that plant-to-plant gene transfer of the introduced genes is very unlikely and, if it did occur, it is unlikely to result in viable seed production leading to adverse environmental effects.