The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has provided an updated scientific opinion of Syngenta’s genetically modified Enogen maize (event 3272). The latest review, undertaken by the GMO Panel, has concluded that the agronomic and phenotypic characteristics as well as forage and grain composition of maize 3272 do not give rise to food and feed safety or nutritional concerns when compared to non‐GM maize. However the EFSA has stated that, considering the scope of this application and the characteristics of the trait introduced in Enogen maize, the effect of processing and potential safety implications of specific food or feed products remain to be further investigated. The Panel stated that it is still unclear whether, under specific circumstances, the alpha‐amylase AMY797E has the capacity to sensitise certain individuals and to cause adverse effects. However the Panel has concluded that, under specific conditions of use, dried distiller grains with solubles (DDGS) produced from Enogen maize does not raise concerns when compared to DDGS from non‐GM maize. DDGS is the main product of interest for importation into the European Union.

Enogen seed varieties contain a trait that expresses alpha amylase in the grain, eliminating the need to add a liquid form of the enzyme and significantly reducing the viscosity of the maize mash. Syngenta first submitted the variety for EU approval in 2006, which was then declined by the EFSA in 2013 due to a lack of information provided.