Statement complementing the EFSA opinion on application EFSA-GMO-UK-2007-41 (cotton MON 88913 for food and feed uses, import and processing) taking into consideration updated bioinformatic analyses

Abstract

In this statement, the EFSA GMO Panel responds to a request from the European Commission (EC) to complement its partially inconclusive scientific opinion on cotton MON 88913 taking into consideration updated bioinformatic analyses submitted by the applicant after the adoption. Similarity searches assessed the identity of the genomic sequences flanking the MON 88913 insert, the potential of creating open reading frames (ORFs) showing similarity to known allergens or toxins and the similarity of the newly expressed CP4 EPSPS protein to known allergens or toxins. Having assessed these searches, the EFSA GMO Panel did not identify interruptions of known cotton genes or any safety issue arising from the identified ORFs including the newly expressed CP4 EPSPS protein. In conclusion, the EFSA GMO Panel considers that cotton MON 88913, as assessed in the scientific opinion on application EFSA-GMO-UK-2007-41 and in the supplementary bioinformatic dataset, is as safe and nutritious as its conventional counterpart and commercial cotton varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment in the context of its intended uses.