The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that there is no evidence of new hazards, modified exposure, or scientific uncertainties that would change the original risk assessment of genetically modified soybean FG72, according to a scientific opinion published on 3 July 2026. The assessment, conducted by EFSA's Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO Panel), evaluated data submitted by Syngenta Crop Protection AG for the renewal of authorisation for food and feed uses, excluding cultivation in the EU. The opinion covers the renewal dossier GMFF-2025-33580 and assumes the DNA sequence of the event remains identical to the originally assessed event.
The GMO Panel reviewed post-market environmental monitoring reports covering July 2015 to June 2024, a scoping review of literature from January 2014 to February 2026, additional studies, and updated bioinformatics analyses. The original authorisation for soybean FG72 was granted by Commission Implementing Decision 2016/1215 of 22 July 2016, following EFSA's initial scientific opinion in 2015. The renewal application was submitted on 1 April 2025, declared valid on 24 June 2025, and underwent a public consultation from 23 October to 13 November 2025, which received no comments. The GMO Panel also considered scientific comments from EU Member States.
The opinion has implications for several stakeholders. For Syngenta Crop Protection AG, the positive assessment supports continued market access for soybean FG72 in the EU, avoiding potential disruption to its supply chain. EU importers and food and feed producers benefit from regulatory continuity, as the product remains authorised without new compliance costs. EU consumers see no change in food safety status, as the panel found no new risks. Environmental NGOs and anti-GM advocacy groups may view the renewal as a missed opportunity for stricter scrutiny, though the opinion notes that case-specific monitoring was not deemed necessary due to the absence of adverse effects in the original environmental risk assessment. The EFSA opinion will inform the European Commission's decision on whether to formally renew the authorisation.