*EPF310 12/06/00
Text: EPA Advisory Panel Reports on StarLink Corn
(Cites low probability of allergic reactions in people) (700)

A scientific advisory panel of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that there is only a "low probability" that the genetically-modified crop called StarLink corn will trigger allergic reactions in people exposed to the corn.

According to an EPA press release issued December 5, the agency has issued a report by the expert panel on the potential allergenicity of StarLink corn, which was withdrawn from the market earlier this year because of regulatory and safety considerations.

Millions of taco shells were pulled from grocery shelves nationwide after the corn was found in products sold by Kraft Foods. The StarLink corn seed, manufactured by Aventis CropScience of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, was only approved for use in animal feed because of concerns that it might trigger allergic reactions if consumed by people.

The EPA panel found that there is "medium likelihood" that the Starlink protein is a potential allergen, and that given the low levels of StarLink in the U.S. diet, there is a "low probability" of allergenicity in the population exposed to the corn.

"The panel did note that children may be more sensitive than adults, and study of infant diets should be given high priority," the EPA said.

The EPA and other agencies are taking steps recommended by the panel, including continued monitoring of the food supply to determine whether residues of StarLink corn are present.

Following is the text of the EPA release:

(begin text)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

FOR RELEASE: TUESDAY, DEC. 5, 2000

ADVISORY PANEL REPORT ASSESSES SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION CONCERNING STARLINK CORN

Today, EPA made public a report from its Scientific Advisory Panel on the potential allergenicity of StarLink corn. EPA asked the expert panel to provide an independent scientific assessment on the potential allergenicity, sensitization and possible exposure to StarLink corn. StarLink presently is not licensed for use in food consumed by humans. Aventis, the manufacturer, has asked for a time-limited exemption to allow StarLink corn in food products, which EPA is currently reviewing.

"Both the Panel's recommendations and the public comments that were submitted will be used to guide the EPA during the scientific evaluation of StarLink," said Stephen Johnson, EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator. "EPA will continue its evaluation of the scientific information, and develop the appropriate regulatory approach in response to the StarLink situation to ensure protection of public health and continued consumer confidence in the safety and integrity of the food supply."

EPA, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are working together closely on the StarLink situation, and have already begun to take the following steps recommended by the Panel to continue a thorough assessment:

-- Follow-up investigation of incidents reported by individuals to evaluate whether StarLink residues may have caused allergic reactions.

-- Evaluate new data to determine what extent processing has on StarLink protein residues in processed food.

-- Review new and existing analytical methods for measuring levels of StarLink protein in processed foods.

-- Continue focused monitoring of the food supply to determine whether residues of StarLink corn are present.

In summary, the Scientific Advisory Panel found, based on available information, that there is a "medium likelihood" that StarLink protein is a potential allergen and that given the low levels of StarLink in the U.S. diet, there is a "low probability" of allergenicity in the population exposed to the corn. While the Panel declined to speculate on the sensitization to StarLink, the Panel did note that children may be more sensitive than adults and study of infant diets should be given high priority. The Panel recommended as its highest priority that individuals who claim to have experienced adverse effects from StarLink corn consumption be studied as soon as possible to determine whether StarLink was the source of the reactions.

The Scientific Advisory Panel is an independent peer review body which provides scientific advice to EPA, with the members selected on the basis of their professional qualifications. The panel report is available at www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap/.

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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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