Investigation of GE Volunteer Wheat Plants in Oregon Continues

 

Dear BRS Stakeholder,

 

On May 29, 2013, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) informed you about our detection of a few genetically engineered (GE) volunteer wheat plants from one field in Oregon.

 

Our investigation continues.  USDA APHIS can confirm that testing associated with the investigation so far has been negative and that we have no information that GE wheat is in commerce.  We can confirm that Monsanto has made the event-specific test available to other governments.   The focus of the ongoing investigation is the area surrounding the 123-acre field where the detection of the GE wheat volunteers has been confirmed. 

 

Currently, there is no commercially available rapid validated test for wheat.  USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is working toward making available appropriate and validated testing techniques to address market needs that may develop.

 

We will keep you informed as significant new information becomes available. For more information, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/wheat.shtml.