The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulatory review process for Cry9C® Bt corn appears to be nearing its conclusion, with expanded registration anticipated this year, said Susan MacIntosh, AgrEvo Product Safety Manager, Global Biotechnology.

"In September, the Cry9C protein in Cry9C corn hybrids will be reviewed for potential allergenicity by an EPA technical review panel," said MacIntosh, who is responsible for coordinating the development of Cry9C safety data for government agencies around the world. "In extensive testing, Cry9C has shown no evidence of any food safety concern, including allergenic potential, and we believe the review panel will confirm this conclusion."

Cry9C Bt hybrids offer growers unsurpassed control of European corn borer and Southwestern corn borer, and unique activity against black cutworm. Cry9C also provides growers with new and highly effective Insect Resistance Management opportunities.

In May 1998, EPA granted registration of Cry9C, as well as a tolerance exemption for its domestic use in feed and industrial, non-food products.

"As the Cry9C regulatory approval process nears completion, consumers, farmers, regulatory officials and AgrEvo alike can be comfortable in knowing that Cry9C corn is one of the safest and most thoroughly tested biological insect control products ever marketed," said MacIntosh.

AgrEvo is a global leader in biotechnology, seeds, crop protection and environmental health. The company markets globally a wide range of products for enhancing crop production, together with applications for urban pest control. AgrEvo operates in more than 70 countries with approximately 8,500 employees. For more information, visit the company's website at www.us.agrevo.com. 

Background and Questions & Answers
- Corn containing the Cry9C protein
- Allergenicity
- Cry9C and allergenicity

Company news release
N2377