Model for the assessment of the impact of GM crops on non-target organisms

A mathematical model developed by scientists from EFSA’s GMO Panel and the Panel’s Environmental Working Group has been published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Proceedings of the Royal Society - Biological Sciences.

The model has been developed to estimate the exposure of the European butterflies and other moth species to the pollen of Bt-maize and to assess any possible adverse effects resulting from this exposure. In evaluating the renewal application of Bt-maize MON 810 EFSA’s GMO Panel also took into consideration data generated through this mathematical model. This allowed EFSA’s GMO Panel to make an assessment on the environmental impact of Bt-maize pollen on non target organisms such as the European Peacock and Red Admiral butterflies and the Diamondback moth.

• Article on the model in Proceedings of the Royal Society - Biological Sciences