USDA Announces Availability of Petition for Nonregulated Status and Extension of a Determination of Nonregulated Status

Dear BRS Stakeholder,

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will publish in the May 3, 2013 Federal Register, a petition received from the JR Simplot Company seeking nonregulated status for a potato genetically engineered for low acrylamide potential and reduced black spot bruise. Acrylamide is a human neurotoxicant and potential carcinogen that may form in potatoes and other starchy foods under certain cooking conditions. APHIS is making this petition available for 60 days of public comment at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2012-0067 (link active on 5/3/13). Consideration will be given to comments received on or before July 2, 2013. More information on this request can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/news.shtml.

APHIS is also announcing the extension of a determination of nonregulated status to a genetically engineered herbicide-tolerant corn made by Stine Seed Farm, Inc., based on its similarity to a previously deregulated organism. More information on this determination can be found at: www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/news.shtml.