USDA seeks to expand biotech role

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Facebook Twitter Email
NOVEMBER 30, 2000

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Wednesday announced it is considering expanding its oversight of the biotechnology industry.

"In order to protect our domestic and foreign markets and ensure public confidence, it's essential that we improve our ability to identify and track genetically modified farm products," said Secretary Dan Glickman. The USDA is seeking public comment on several issues regarding biotech and non-biotech crops.

The move comes after a genetically modified corn product known as StarLink entered the food supply this fall despite lack of approval for human consumption. Earlier this week, the Environmental Protection Agency held a public hearing on the product, whose maker, Aventis CropScience, wants it temporarily declared suitable for human use.

At the meeting, consumer groups called on the government to deny approval, saying it would only limit the company's liability in the affair. Although the company is compensating farmers and grain operators throughout the nation for ruining their crops, the company admitted failing to inform some farmers that the product wasn't mean for human consumption.

In a preliminary assessment of the product, the EPA said the risk from eating the corn is low. Still, it was never approved for human use due to questions that it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently looked at 44 cases of consumers who said they became ill after eating corn products. While the FDA said a majority of the cases could be considered allergic reactions, the CDC only said 11 consumers had allergic symptoms. In either scenario, it is unknown if StarLink is the source of the reactions.

A decision on StarLink's approval is expected tomorrow. Aventis is asking for a four-year approval -- one year to clear the 1999 corn crop, almost two years to account for the shelf life of any potentially tainted products, plus one final year for the 2000 crop.

Read the USDA's proposed rules, Submit comments:
Seeking public comment on how USDA can best facilitate the marketing of grains, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in today's evolving marketplace. (USDA 11/30)