October 20, 2000

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says a review of all available scientific information indicates that monarch butterflies are at very little risk from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn products and in fact, could benefit from the widespread cultivation of Bt crops. The report represents a preliminary draft risk assessment to evaluate the health, safety and environmental risks, as well as benefits of Bt corn, cotton and potato plants.

It has been under review this week by a peer review with the EPA's Scientific Advisory Panel on the scientific issues in connection with the assessment. According to the EPA, after incorporating peer review and public comments, the agency will use the information to reach decisions regarding renewal of registrations for several Bt products and to develop any necessary mitigation measures.

"This rigorous review of the vast array of scientific information about foods and crops improved through biotechnology refutes once again the claims of anti-biotechnology critics," said Dr. Val Giddings, vice president for food and agriculture of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). "The assessment confirms the findings of EPA and numerous other regulatory agencies and scientific bodies around the world that crops and food produced through biotechnology pose no adverse health or environmental problems," he added.

The report notes that "significant benefits accrue to growers, the public, and the environment from the availability and use of certain Bt plant-pesticides," adding that direct benefits to growers in 1999 likely exceeded $100 million.

To review the report in its entirety on the Internet, go to http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap/ and scroll to: October 18-20, 2000: Issues pertaining to the Bt plant pesticides Risk and Benefit Assessments.