GN-2016-418 Discontinued GM Oilseed Rapes: Tolerance Period Extended Until the End of 2019

The European Commission published Decision 2268/2016 attached on 12th December relating to the discontinuation of the authorisationsof Genetically Modified (GM) oilseed rapes Ms1×Rf1, Ms1×Rf2 and Topas 19/2 from Bayer (authorisation holder).

This decision extends the tolerance period for traces of the three GM oilseed rapes for a further three years until 31 December 2019; the tolerance period was to expire on the 31 December 2016. The authorisation extention covers both food and feed. Please see the attached regulation for full details.

Background

• The EU authorizations for the three GM oilseed rapes were not renewed by Bayer - therefore the 3 GM events are 'obsolete';
• The three GM oilseed rapes are under a discontinuation regime in the EU, allowing a presence no higher than 0,1% in food and feed (seeds and products thereof);
• Such a status of 0,1% in food and feed was granted in 2012 so to allow the supply chain to manage the phasing out presence;
• Before 2012 the three GMOs were still under phasing out regime, but allowed in a higher presence up to 0,9% in food and feed.