Final Health and Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Carnation Moonaqua 123.8.12

Genetically modified carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) line 123.8.12 with product name Moonaqua™, expresses three introduced traits. The dfr gene from Petunia x hybrida and the f3′5′h (Hf1) gene from Viola sp., coding for dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H), respectively, lead to the biosynthesis of anthocyanin pigments, which confer the desired mauve colour to the flowers. A mutated als gene (SuRB) from Nicotiana tabacum has also been inserted, coding for an acetolactate synthase (ALS) variant protein and thereby conferring tolerance to the active, ALS-inhibiting, herbicidal substances chlorimuron, thifensulfuron and sulfonylureas, used to facilitate the selection of GM shoots during genetic transformation. Bioinformatics analyses of the inserted DNA and flanking sequences in carnation 123.8.12 have not indicated a potential production of putative harmful proteins or polypeptides caused by the genetic modification. Genomic stability of the functional insert and consistent expression of the dfr and f3′5′h (Hf1) genes, have been shown over several generations of carnation 123.8.12. Data reported from several field trials show that carnation 123.8.12 petals contain higher levels of the anthocyanins delphinidin and cyanidin compared to the non-GM (conventional) carnation counterpart FE123. Other morphological traits were reported and along with differing petal colour, carnation Moonaqua 123.8.12 differed significantly in one trait compared to conventional carnation counterpart FE123. An acute toxicity study in mice and an in vitro mutagenicity study employing aqueous extracts from leaves or petals showed no adverse effects. DFR, F3’5’H and ALS proteins do not show sequence resemblance to known toxins or IgE-dependent allergens, nor have they been reported to cause IgE-mediated allergic reactions. The anthocyanins delphinidin and cyanidin are present in numerous foods and are also approved food additives. Carnations are cultivated in Norway, but since 1) the intended uses includes import of cut flowers for ornamental use only, 2) the spread and viability of pollen from the cut flowers is low, 3) seed formation in cut flowers is unlikely to occur, and 4) spread of inserted genes to target or non-target organisms is either unlikely to occur or is not of biological relevance, the VKM GMO Panel does not consider that carnation 123.8.12 represents an environmental risk in Norway. Considering that carnation Moonaqua 123.8