Survey of maize samples for Bt10

Thursday 26 January 2006

The Agency today published the results of tests on samples of imported maize for the presence of the unauthorised genetically modified (GM) Bt10. No samples were found to contain Bt10.

Following the accidental contamination in the USA of authorised Bt11 GM maize with non-authorised Bt10, the European Commission introduced control measures in April 2005 to certify that imports are free of Bt10.

Bt10 is very similar to Bt11 but has not been approved for use in food or feed in the EU and therefore its presence would be illegal in imports.

The EC measures require the testing of all corn gluten feed and brewers grain feed produced from GM maize from the USA, and also for Member States to carry out their own random sampling and analysis of maize samples.

A total of 190 tests were carried out on 19 consignments of maize from various locations in the UK during four weeks in September/October 2005. This work was done in addition to testing that has already been carried out by local authorities.