StarLink Corn Banned in Canada

WINNIPEG - Sep 1/09 - SNS -- The Canadian Grain Commission reminded the industry that Starlink, genetically modified corn, is not approved for any use in Canada and any lots which contain it will be considered contaminated.

"The Canada Grain Act prohibits shippers from delivering grain to, or receiving grain from, licensed elevators which may reasonably be regarded as contaminated, and, similarly, prohibits licensed elevators from receiving and discharging grain which may reasonably be regarded as contaminated," the CGC said in a memorandum to the trade

"'Contaminated' grain is defined by the Act to mean, among other things, unfit for human and animal consumption. Because StarLink corn has not been approved for consumption in Canada by humans or animals, the Canadian Grain Commission considers corn and any other grain containing StarLink corn to be contaminated.

"Therefore, shippers and elevator operators are prohibited from shipping and receiving corn or any other grain containing any StarLink corn. It is the responsibility of shippers and elevator operators to ensure that any corn or other grain they handle does not contain any StarLink corn. Failure to do so may result in serious penalties."

StarLink was corn produced in the United States, that was engineered to be pest resistant. It has been approved in the U.S. for feed, but not for human consumption. StarLink corn has not been approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or Health Canada for production or sale for any use in Canada and thus remains prohibited for import to Canada.