04 May 2000

Text: USDA to Standardize Biotech Grain Testing System

Washington -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin a program to standardize a system to identify grains derived from biotechnology, Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman says.

The program -- administered by USDA's Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration -- will begin accrediting commercial laboratories and evaluating tests used to detect the presence of genetically modified grains as part of a new set of Clinton administration biotechnology initiatives, Glickman said May 4 in a USDA announcement.

Following is the text of the USDA announcement:

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U.S. Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.

May 4, 2000

USDA to Validate Tests For Biotech Grains, Accredit Labs

Washington -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture will help standardize the identification of biotechnology-derived grains by accrediting labs and evaluating tests used to detect the presence of genetically modified grains. As part of a new set of Clinton Administration biotechnology initiatives announced yesterday, the Department will also seek public comment later this year on other steps that could be taken to help validate voluntary non-bioengineered claims, according to Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman.

"We want to provide consumers, farmers, and industry with more information about biotechnology-derived foods and we want to ensure that information is accurate and reliable," said Glickman.

USDA's Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration will review, upon request, laboratories testing grains for the presence of biotechnology-derived grains and will accredit those laboratories that meet performance standards.

In addition, GIPSA will evaluate test kits against the manufacturer's performance specifications for determining the presence of biotechnology-derived grains in bulk grain to ensure that these tests are accurate and reliable.

Testing laboratories in the United States and manufacturers of commercially available test kits marketed and sold in the United States will be invited to participate in these voluntary efforts through announcements in Commerce Business Daily. The new services will be provided for a fee and tests will be conducted at GIPSA's Technical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

USDA intends to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking this summer to solicit public comment on other possible steps to help differentiate non-bioengineered commodities to better meet the needs of the marketplace.

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