J 2019

A critical evaluation of EFSA’s environmental risk assessment of genetically modifed maize MON810 for honeybees and earthworms

CHVÁTALOVÁ, Veronika

Basic information

Original name

A critical evaluation of EFSA’s environmental risk assessment of genetically modifed maize MON810 for honeybees and earthworms

Authors

CHVÁTALOVÁ, Veronika (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution)

Edition

Environmental Sciences Europe, London, SpringerOpen, 2019, 2190-4707

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Článek v odborném periodiku

Field of Study

50704 Environmental sciences

Country of publisher

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Confidentiality degree

není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství

References:

Impact factor

Impact factor: 5.394

RIV identification code

RIV/00216224:14230/19:00111039

Organization unit

Faculty of Social Studies

DOI

UT WoS

000480802800001

Keywords in English

EFSA; GMO; Bt maize; MON810; Environmental risk assessment; Non-target organisms; Honeybees; Earthworms; Science for policy; Extended peer review

Tags

Tags

International impact, Reviewed
Změněno: 14/12/2020 11:18, Mgr. Blanka Farkašová

Abstract

V originále

Background In the European Union (EU), genetically modified (GM) crops are permitted for cultivation only after a thorough risk assessment and a decision by the European Commission (EC). The central scientific body assessing food-related risks is the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It aims to provide high-quality scientific advice for EU decision-makers. However, both the way EFSA performs risk assessment and the independence of its panel members have been subjected to consistent criticism. In this paper, I examine part of the environmental risk assessment in the Scientific Opinion issued by the EFSA GMO Panel, specifically, the impacts of GM maize MON810 on honeybees and earthworms. The evaluated EFSA document forms the scientific basis of the pending EC Draft implementing decision to renew the authorisation for the lawful cultivation of MON810. I assess the reliability of scientific information cited in the Opinion, the use of this information by EFSA, and the safety conclusions drawn in a form of an extended peer review. Results My research indicates that the scientific studies cited in the EFSA Opinion in the sections concerning the possible impacts of GM maize on honeybees and earthworms stem predominantly from reliable sources in terms of authorship, financial support, and status of the study. However, the reliability of the studies varies significantly concerning the ecological relevance of the experiments. Moreover, the body of referenced evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions on risk. Relevantly, several types of shortcomings in the use of scientific information in the risk assessment were identified as prevalent, namely: EFSA omits relevant available studies, selectively cites information, misquotes studies, fails to acknowledge uncertainties, fails to call for further research where needed, and fails to critically interpret studies and their findings. Conclusions Overall, the findings indicate that the reliability of scientific information and particularly its use by the EFSA GMO Panel produces low-quality scientific advice, which is inconsistent with the Authority Mission Statement. My research would support the call by the European Parliament and NGOs on the EC to withdraw its Draft implementing decision intended to renew the authorisation of MON810 cultivation.