Potential risk evaluation for unintended entry of genetically modified plant Propagating material in Europe through import of seeds and animal feed - the experience of Latvia.

Significant attention has been drawn to the adventitious and technically unavoidable presence of genetically modified (GM) organisms in the food and feed imported into the European Union (EU), while the potential presence of GM seeds in material for cultivation is less studied. Here we report a study from an EU member state, Latvia, during years 2017-2018 regarding monitoring for the presence of GM seeds in certified seed and animal feed material. Eighty-two and 28 samples of seeds intended for cultivation were analyzed in 2017 and 2018, respectively. One soybean sample contained MON40-3-2 soybean seeds (0.09 ± 0.01%) and one maize sample contained MON810 maize seeds (0.08 ± 0.01%). In addition, 102 samples of feed imported from outside of the EU or produced locally were also analyzed for the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and viability of grains. One oilseed rape cake sample contained GT73 (1.04 ± 0.01%) and one soybean cake sample contained MON40-3-2 (<0.045%). One sample of declared MON40-3-2 GM soybean cake was confirmed to be positive, with MON40-3-2 content of 94.78 ± 10.01%. One soybean sample submitted by feed producer and originating from Argentina contained 54.9 ± 1.1% of MON40-3-2 and one rapeseed sample originating from Ukraine contained 5.30 ± 3.95% of GT73. Although only two seed samples contained low levels of GMOs authorized in the EU for food and feed uses, this study reinforced the need to maintain regular monitoring programs that assist farmers in their efforts to comply with the current EU GMO legislation.

Genetically modified seeds and plant propagating material in Europe: potential routes of entrance and current status.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO), mainly crop plants, are increasingly grown worldwide leading to large trade volumes of living seeds and other plant material both for cultivation and for food and animal feed. Even though all the traded GMOs have been assessed for their safety with regards to human and animal health and the environment, there still are some concerns regarding the potential uncontrolled release in the environment of authorized or unauthorized GM plants. In this review, we identify the possible entrance routes of GM seeds and other propagating plant material in the EU which could be linked to unauthorized release of GMOs in the environment. In addition, we discuss the situation with GM plant cultivation in some non-EU countries in terms of potential risks for GM seed imports. The available body of information suggests that GM seeds and plant propagating material can enter the EU due to problems with labeling/traceability of GM seed lots, contamination of conventional seed lots and accidental release into the environment of grains imported for food and animal feed. Even though cases of uncontrolled release of authorized GMOs, as well as, release of unauthorized GMOs have been reported, they can be generally attributed to adventitious and technically unavoidable presence with little environmental impact. In conclusion, the probability of GM seeds and plant propagating material illegally entering the cultivation in EU is unlikely. However, specific monitoring programs need to be established and maintained to facilitate the compliance of European farmers with the current GMO legislation.