European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety

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 123.8.12 is not intended for cultivation or use as food or feed, the VKM GMO Panel considers that comparative analysis of the newly synthesised anthocyanin pigments delphinidin, cyanidin and petunidin in its petals is sufficient for the risk assessment. The reported morphological differences between Moonaqua 123.8.12 and the conventional carnation counterpart FE123 do not raise safety concerns. It is unlikely that the DFR, F3’5’H or ALS proteins, or the delphinidin or cyanidin pigments, will introduce a toxic or allergenic potential in Moonaqua 123.8.12. 

Based on current knowledge and information supplied by the applicant, and considering the intended use, which excludes cultivation and use as food and feed, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that Moonaqua 123.8.12 is as safe as its conventional counterpart FE123.  

Based on the current knowledge and considering its import, distribution and intended use as cut ornamental flowers, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that it is unlikely that carnation Moonaqua 123.8.12 will have any adverse effects on the biotic or abiotic environment in Norway.