The Food Safety Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina passed two decisions authorizing the company from Kostajnica to place on the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina two types of genetically modified soybeans, exclusively for use in animal nutrition.
It is about Monsanto GMO soybeans MON 40-3-2 (MON-Ø4Ø32-6) and MON 89788 (MON-89788-1), and both solutions were published in the “Official Gazette of BiH”, number 79/2025. At the same time, the sowing and intentional introduction of these genetically modified organisms into the environment is expressly prohibited.
MON 40-3-2 soybean, also known as “Roundup Ready soybean”, is one of the most widespread genetically modified varieties in the world. It was developed to be tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate, which enables the destruction of weeds without damaging the plant itself. This variety has been used in international trade for more than two decades and is approved for import and use in animal nutrition in the European Union.
Soybean MON 89788 is a newer generation of genetically modified soybeans, also tolerant to glyphosate, developed with the aim of more stable yields and reduced occurrence of unwanted genetic sequences compared to older GMO varieties. This soybean has also passed regulatory safety assessments in the EU and is approved for animal feed, but not for cultivation.
Although the EU does not allow the cultivation of GMO soybeans on its farms, the vast majority of soybeans used in the EU are imported as GM soybeans, especially from the USA and South America, and are used primarily in animal feed due to their high nutritional value and protein content.
MON 40-3-2 and MON 89788 soybeans were developed by the Monsanto company as part of its Roundup Ready technology, i.e. genetic modifications that enable tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate.
Monsanto was the holder of patents and intellectual rights over these GMO events at the time of their development and commercialization. Later, Monsanto was taken over by Bayer, which also took over all related rights, licenses and regulatory files.
According to the Agency’s decisions, all products containing the mentioned GMO varieties must be clearly marked, whether they are packaged or unpackaged animal feed. The indication that the product contains genetically modified soy must be displayed on the product and accompanying documentation.
The company to which approval was issued is obliged to keep records of all transactions for at least five years and submit quarterly detailed reports to the Food Safety Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These reports include quantities of imported animal feed, veterinary documentation, country of origin certificates and laboratory analyzes confirming the presence of GMOs.
In the event that the prescribed data is not submitted within the deadline, the Agency can make decisions invalid.
Both decisions are valid for five years from the date of adoption and can be renewed with a new procedure. No appeal is allowed against the decision, but it is possible to initiate an administrative dispute before the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina within 30 days.
The adoption of these solutions, as stated, does not reduce the civil or criminal liability of the entity in the animal feed business in connection with products containing genetically modified organisms, it says RTV SLon.
