Biotech Updates

USDA Seeks Comment on Herbicide-Tolerant Corn Deregulation

December 19, 2008

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public comment on a petition submitted by Pioneer Hi-Bred International to deregulate a genetically modified (GM) corn variety resistant to glyphosate herbicides and acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides. APHIS has regulated the corn, designated as line 98140, through its biotechnology notification and permitting process since 2005. If APHIS grants the petition for deregulation, the GM corn and its progeny can be planted freely without the requirement of permits. APHIS said that scientific evidence indicates that there are unlikely to be any environmental, human health or food safety concerns associated with the GE corn.

Visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2008/12/ge_corn.shtml for more information.