In 2004, Monsanto sought approval in Europe to introduce MON 863. Approval was granted in 2005 for use in feed[5] and in 2006 for use in food.[6] There was controversy over acceptance by regulatory bodies of industry-funded toxicity studies and over the design of those studies led by Pr Gilles-Éric Séralini, who was on the committee that reviewed MON863 for the French government.[7]
Following legal action by parties including the Swedish Board of Agriculture and Greenpeace, a Münster appeals court ruled that Monsanto would be forced to publicly reveal its research data.[8]
^ ab"The MON863 case - a chronicle of systematic deception"(PDF). Greenpeace. Retrieved 2010-07-22. MON863 is a genetically modified corn that expresses a Bt-toxin. This toxin is a modified version of the delta endotoxin Cry3Bb1 which originates from the microorganism Bacillus thuringiensis. The genetic manipulation is aimed at protecting maize plants against a pest called corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.). MON863 differs from other Bt-corns already placed on the market (MON810, BT11, Bt176), which produce a modified Cry1Ab toxin conferring resistance to a pest called European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), in that it produces an artificial Cry3Bb1 toxin. In addition to the modified Cry3Bb1 toxin gene MON863 contains an antibiotic resistance marker gene.
^ abDoull, J.; Gaylor, D.; Greim, H.A.; Lovell, D.P.; Lynch, B.; Munro, I.C. (2007). "Report of an Expert Panel on the reanalysis by of a 90-day study conducted by Monsanto in support of the safety of a genetically modified corn variety (MON 863)". Food and Chemical Toxicology. 45 (11): 2073–85. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.08.033. PMID17900781.
^Lorch, Antje (2005-09-30). "EFSA's Opinion on MON863 hybrids"(PDF). ifrik. Greenpeace. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2010-07-22. MON863 contains an GM antibiotic resistance gene (nptII) against kanamycin and neomycin.