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Traces of genetic engineering found in maize sample during official seed testing
The sample was analysed as part of this year's routine official seed testing by the German Länder. In one of three sub-samples, each containing 1,000 seeds, the so-called "Event DAS-59122" was detected using a qualitative test. This dually genetically modified maize, with the trade name "Herculex RW", is both herbicide-resistant and insecticidal.
Herculex RW is not approved for cultivation in the EU. The GMO content in the sample tested was estimated at 0.1 percent. The seed imported from France was completely confiscated and destroyed before sowing. A total of 465 seed tests were carried out on maize in the 2025 analysis year, of which this one tested positive.
"Official monitoring is important to prevent the illegal cultivation of genetically modified plants. It has worked reliably for years. Unfortunately, this could soon change. According to the EU Commission, plants produced using so-called new genetic engineering techniques will not be subject to detailed information requirements regarding genetic modification, let alone detection procedures, even if they have been approved for import or cultivation. This will make it almost impossible for the authorities to detect illegal genetically modified seeds in the future. The German government must intervene in Brussels and campaign for the traceability of plants produced using new genetic engineering techniques – for the protection of GMO-free agriculture and food processing," says Alexander Hissting, Managing Director of the Association for Food without Genetic Engineering (VLOG).
In the previous analysis year 2024, GMO components were found in four of the maize seed batches examined as part of the official seed testing. No traces of GMOs have been found in rapeseed samples since 2020, and soy samples have not tested positive since 2019. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) publishes the results of the investigations carried out by the Federal/State Working Group on Genetic Engineering (LAG) annually.
In the 2025 analysis year, 731 seed samples from 11 different crops were tested for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by the official seed monitoring authorities of the German Länder as part of seed monitoring. Maize and rapeseed are the most frequently tested crops, accounting for 63.6 percent and 26.7 percent, respectively, followed by soy with 5.5 percent. In addition, a small number of samples of sugar beet, flax, sweet corn, alfalfa, tomatoes, courgettes and beetroot were tested.
Genetic engineering and seeds – Results of monitoring by the German states in the analysis year 2025 (German)
Top Agrar: Official seed testing finds traces of genetic engineering in only one maize sample (German)