Washington, DC
July 17,  2001

In testimony delivered at a public meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency's Science Advisory Panel, the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) told the panel that a test for detecting Cry9C protein in processed foods made from StarLink corn "meets scientific criteria as an accurate and reproducible detection method."

"The availability of a suitable method for measuring Cry9C protein in processed food is expected to be a major issue in EPA's decision on whether or not to grant a tolerance for trace amounts of Cry9C in food products," noted Dr. Rhona Applebaum, NFPA's Executive Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. "NFPA has led industry efforts to develop a testing method that is accurate and reproducible."

The Scientific Advisory Panel meets July 17-18 in Washington, D.C. to review issues being considered by EPA pertaining to an assessment of additional scientific information concerning StarLink corn.

"NFPA's study demonstrates the specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, ruggedness, and -- above all -- the accuracy of the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for detecting Cry9C protein in a variety of processed foods," noted Dr. Jupiter Yeung, NFPA's Principal Scientist, in his testimony at the Scientific Advisory Panel's meeting.

"This new information supports NFPA's position that the ELISA test method for Cry9C protein -- which has been used for obtaining data for an exposure assessment -- is reliable and provides accurate and reproducible data," Dr. Yeung added.

NFPA is the voice of the $460 billion food processing industry on scientific and public policy issues involving food safety, nutrition, technical and regulatory matters and consumer affairs.

For more information on this issue, contact Libby Mikesell, NFPA's Senior Director of Communications, at 202-639-5919, or visit NFPA's Website at http://www.nfpa-food.org.

National Food Processors Association news release
N3659