Ad hoc meeting with GMO Industry Representatives
The ad hoc meeting with GMO industry representatives (GMO applicants) was organized by EFSA on 25th of March 2026. The meeting was held remotely.
The following topics were discussed:
Risk Assessment of stacks. EFSA informed the GMO applicants on the Terms of reference of the mandate (EFSA-Q-2026-00110) and associated timelines. EFSA provided updates on the discussions and progress made by the GMO Panel and its Working Groups.
Explanatory Note on Newly Expressed Proteins (NEPs). EFSA informed the GMO applicants about the ongoing discussions on the update of the Explanatory Note on NEPs, originally published in 2018. The objectives for the update were clearly defined, highlighting areas where improvements are needed due to recurring questions. EFSA committed to keeping applicants informed of the progress.
Feed classification and consumption database. EFSA presented the outcome of the Procurement OC/EFSA/GMO/2021/05 (2021-2024) aimed to explore the development of a feed consumption database based on a standardised feed classification system.
Update to 2014 guidance on 90-day studies with regards to inclusion rate of test/control items, as discussed in the GMO Network. EFSA informed the applicants on the topic, following comments received from several Member States concerning the inclusion rates of certain feed materials used in these studies, as referenced in EFSA (2014) recommendations. The discussions focused on the inclusion rates.
Update from EFSA Units on GMO Applications risk assessment and GLP studies. EFSA provided applicants with procedural updates related to additional data requests (ADRs), deadline extensions and replies and addressed questions posed by the applicants. Lessons learnt after implementation of the RNAi guidance were also discussed clarifying interpretation of specific sections. EFSA also reported on the outcome of a recent activity on Post-Market Environmental Monitoring (PMEM) plan that resulted in the agreement on a PMEM plan including more details on the measures commonly implemented for General Surveillance. Applicants were encouraged to submit updated PMEM plans for all ongoing applications and renewals. EFSA also updated the applicants on GLP studies, clarifying that in case a study audit is requested during completeness check, the validity of the application will be kept on hold till the relevant GLP monitoring authority confirms the GLP status of the study/ies.
EFSA shared the following updates under AOB: a) on the ongoing work on preDQ tool. The applicants were offered the opportunity to participate to a dedicated 2-3 h session towards the end of May; b) on the Consumption data and DietEx tool. Based on the applicant’s interest, further details on the tool and short live demonstrations can be provided at future meetings; c) on the Member State Questionnaire on GMO assessment. EFSA clarified that this initiative was led by Belgium, and EFSA was only coordinating and facilitating the discussions within the experts of the network.
The next ad hoc meeting with the GMO industry representatives will be held in hybrid mode in autumn 2026.