To ACNFP Members

24 May 2000

Dear Member

Nick Tomlinson and I met with Stephen Waters and Ken Baker from Monsanto on 18 May at Monsanto’s request. Monsanto had requested a meeting in order for them to present additional molecular biology data obtained as a result of a more detailed characterisation of their genetically modified Roundup Ready soybean event 40-3-2.

The ACNFP considered this line under its voluntary scheme in 1994. It was given clearance for food safety on 20 February 1995. Roundup Ready soybean event has been approved for planting and/or consumption in a number of countries worldwide and products from this line consumed for a number of years. Members are now asked to review the new molecular data supplied by Monsanto and inform the secretariat if there are safety concerns regarding the new data. Members are also asked to inform the secretariat if there is other data they feel is necessary before the committee is able to deliver an opinion in light of the new data.

The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs is being consulted on animal feed safety aspects and the Advisory Committee on Releases into the Environment is being consulted on environmental safety aspects.

I am enclosing a brief summary of the data, the report from Monsanto containing extensive details of the characterisation and figures, a summary from the company, which also includes a safety assessment of the soybeans, and relevant sections from the 1994 ACNFP report.

I would appreciate your comments on this new data and an indication of whether you are able to endorse the Committee’s previous safety assessment in light of this new data by close on 31 May

Yours sincerely

Clair Baynton
ACNFP Secretariat

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