Assessment of genetically modified maize MZIR 098 for food and feed uses, under Regulation ( EC ) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA ‐ GMO ‐ DE ‐2017‐142)

Maize MZIR 098 was developed to confer tolerance to glufosinate‐ammonium‐containing herbicides and resistance to certain coleopteran pests. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics tested between maize MZIR 098 and its conventional counterpart needs further assessment, except for neutral detergent fibre ( NDF ) in grains, which does not raise nutritional and safety concerns. The GMO Panel does not identify safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of the eC ry3.1Ab, mC ry3A and PAT proteins as expressed in maize MZIR 098, and finds no evidence that the genetic modification would change the overall allergenicity of maize MZIR 098. In the context of this application, the consumption of food and feed from maize MZIR 098 does not represent a nutritional concern in humans and animals. The GMO Panel concludes that maize MZIR 098 is as safe as the conventional counterpart and non‐ GM maize reference varieties tested, and no post‐market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable maize MZIR 098 grains into the environment, maize MZIR 098 would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post‐market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of maize MZIR 098. In conclusion, the GMO Panel considers that maize MZIR 098, as described in this application, is as safe as its conventional counterpart and the non‐ GM maize reference varieties tested with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.