On October 8, 2024, the European Commission approved four genetically engineered (GE) crops for food and animal feed. The four authorizations were published in the European Union’s Official Journal on October 10, 2024, and all will remain valid for 10 years.

The authorizations were given to two GE maize/corn crops, with the other two as renewal of authorizations for one maize/corn crop and one cotton crop for food and animal feed. These four crops have gone through a comprehensive and stringent authorization procedure, including a favorable scientific assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as set in Directive 2001/18/EC. The authorization and renewal decisions apply to food and feed for import and processing, but do not cover cultivation in the European Union. All products will be subject to the EU’s strict labeling and traceability rules.

The four GE crops are the following:

• GE maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document C(2024) 6915)
• GE maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and eight of its sub-combinations pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document C(2024) 6892)
• GE maize DP202216 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document C(2024) 6941)
• GE cotton COT102 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document C(2024) 6938)

For more details, read the Global Agricultural Information Network report prepared by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

Published Date: November 6, 2024