During advanced testing, Syngenta recently discovered an unintended event, Bt10, in a small number of its corn breeding lines used primarily for pre-commercial development. The Bt protein produced by these lines is identical to that produced by the commercialized, fully approved Bt11 varieties. Therefore, there is no change to the food, health and environmental profile of the corn.

Upon this discovery, Syngenta immediately informed the EPA, FDA and USDA. These regulatory agencies have also confirmed the food, feed and environmental safety of Bt10. All current plantings and seed stock containing this material have been identified and destroyed or otherwise contained.

Syngenta's insect resistant European corn borer product Bt11 was approved for cultivation and food use in 1996 in the United States and for food and feed use in Japan in 1996 and the EU in 1998.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2004 were approximately $7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).