The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada are investigating the inadvertent release of genetically engineered, experimental corn planted in Ontario and Quebec.

Bt10 corn, developed by U.S.-based Syngenta Seeds Inc., was planted on a limited number of farms in Ontario and Quebec (close to 35 hectares). The corn was being used for seed test and agronomic trials at the time and was not approved for planting, food or feed use.

The CFIA and Health Canada have taken immediate action to investigate this incident. Health Canada has conducted a preliminary health risk assessment and, based on the information available, has determined that Bt10 corn is unlikely to pose a risk to human health. Based on current information, CFIA scientists have also determined that the corn is unlikely to pose a health risk to livestock or to the environment.

Syngenta recently informed the CFIA of the unapproved plantings of the corn which resists the European Corn Borer, a destructive insect. CFIA officials are working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials during the investigation. Companies seeking approval for genetically engineered seed in Canada must submit an application for approval, prior to any release.

The Bt10 experimental corn line was developed using the same gene construct as Bt11 corn, a genetically engineered corn variety that was approved for full food, feed and environmental release by Canadian regulatory authorities in 1996 and U.S. regulatory authorities in 1995.

Syngenta has taken measures to quarantine and destroy affected seed and halted any further plantings involving the Bt10 corn variety. Once its investigation is complete, the CFIA will determine if any enforcement action is necessary.