GIPSA Evaluates New StarLink Test

April 13, 2001

USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has evaluated Strategic Diagnostics, Inc. GMOQuick 4 TM Bt9 Test Kit and found that the kit's performance meets the manufacturer's claims of the identification of one StarLinkTM corn kernel in 800 corn kernels. GIPSA's verification of tests is performed on grain only, not processed foods.

GIPSA began offering official testing service for StarLinkTM on Nov.15 after the grain markets expressed the need for government backed testing to ensure that corn export markets that have specific restrictions on the import of corn containing StarLinkTM are fulfilled. StarLinkTM is a variety of corn developed by Aventis Crop Science that incorporates biotechnical modification to control insect damage. StarLinkTM is approved for animal feed and industrial use only and is no longer available as seed for production.

For more information on StarLinkTM testing services, see GIPSA's web site at http://www.usda.gov/gipsa/biotech/starlink/starlink.htm. For information on test kit performance evaluation and laboratory accreditation services, visit http://www.usda.gov/gipsa/biotech/evalaccredit.htm.