The assessment was performed in connection with the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) public hearing of application EFSA-GMO-DE-2019-157, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the Norwegian Environment Agency.

The assessment of canola LBFLFK is based on information provided by the applicant in the application EFSA-GMO-DE-2019-157, and relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature.

LBFLFK contains genes that impact the content of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in the seeds and contains a gene that confers tolerance to imidazolinone herbicides.

Authorisation process for genetically modified organisms

Norway is affiliated with the GMO authorisation process in the EU. In the EU, GMOs and derived products are regulated by Regulation 1829/2003/EC. The Regulation concerns genetically modified food and feed and is currently not a part of the EEA Agreement. In preparation for a legal implementation of the regulation in Norwegian law, Norway follows EU proceedings for GMO applications.

VKM conducts its own review of GMO applications during public hearings and sends its comments to EFSA. EFSA then completes their scientific opinion based upon information from the applicant, on comments from EEA member countries, and independent literature. VKM evaluates EFSAs response to Norwegian comments. Depending on the response from EFSA, VKM may perform further health and environmental risk assessments of the GMO, giving special attention to national considerations.

VKM submitted their comments on the application to EFSA before the deadline February 13, 2020. The comments referred to accidental spillage and loss of viable seeds during transport, storage, handling, and processing.