Risk assessment of genetically modified carnation FLO- 40685-2. Scientific opinion on genetically modified carnation FLO-40685-2 from Suntory Holdings Ltd. with modified petal colour for import as cut flowers for ornamental use under Part C of Directive 2001/18/EC (Application C/NL/13/02). Opinion of the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety
| Main Author: | Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) |
|---|---|
| Format: | Report |
| Bahasa: | eng |
| Terbitan: |
, 2016
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://zenodo.org/record/4028461 |
Daftar Isi:
- Carnation FLO-40685-2 is a genetically modified variety of Dianthus caryophyllus L. used as a decorative plant species. The purple colour of the flowers results from expression of the two introduced genes dfr and f3’5’h, encoding the enzymes dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and flavonoid 3’,5’-hydroxylase (F3’5’H). Together with endogenous enzymes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, DFR and F3’5’H enables the production of the anthocyanidins (plant pigments) delphinidin and cyanidin in the flower petals. Anthocyanidins and their sugar derivatives, anthocyanins, make up a large group of natural colours and are accepted food additives (E 163). The colours of most flowers, berries and fruits consist of a combination of anthocyanidins and anthocyanins. Carnation line FLO-40685-2 also contains a mutated herbicide tolerance gene from Nicotiana tabacum, coding for an acetolactate synthase (ALS) variant protein, used to facilitate the selection of GM plantlets during the genetic transformation process. There are four transgenic inserts in the genome of FLO-40685-2, at four different loci. Only one of the loci includes the intended full length T-DNA sequence. Flanking sequences indicate no disruption of endogenous genes by the inserts. In silico analyses show no significant homologies between the DFR, F3’5’H an ALS proteins and known toxins or IgE-bound allergens. Expression of any new open reading frame(s) (ORF) with significant similarity to known toxin(s) or allergen(s) is highly unlikely. No observed changes in the introduced trait, i.e. the particular flower colour, indicative of instability, have been reported during numerous generations of vegetatively propagated plants since 1997. Considering that carnation FLO-40685-2 is not intended for cultivation or use as food or feed, the VKM GMO Panel considers the comparative analysis of the anthocyanidins delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin and pelargonidin in the flower petals sufficient for the risk assessment. The reported morphological differences between FLO-40685-2 and the conventional counterpart (parental variety) Cream Cinderella do not raise safety concerns. Based on current knowledge and the scope of the application, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that the DFR, F3’5’H and ALS proteins and anthocyanidin pigments are unlikely to increase a potential health risk related to an accidental intake or other exposure routes to carnation FLO-40685-2 compared to the conventional counterpart or other non-GM carnations. Likewise, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that carnation FLO-40685-2, based on current knowledge and the intended use as cut ornamental flowers, does not represent an environmental risk in Norway.
- NO: PDF; vkm@vkm.no