Enlist corn, Enlist soybeans complete FDA review

Dow AgroSciences LLC announced it has been notified by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the agency’s consultation has found both Enlist corn and Enlist soybeans to be in compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements that fall within the FDA’s jurisdiction.

The Enlist Weed Control System, an innovative combination of herbicides and herbicide-tolerant traits in elite corn and soybean germplasm, is designed to meet the emerging weed control challenges facing farmers while sustaining beneficial farming practices, and will be introduced once all regulatory approvals are secured.

“With a significant rise in glyphosate-resistant and hard-to-control weeds in 2011, farmers need new technology to address their weed control challenges in a sustainable way,” said Joe Vertin, global business leader, Enlist Weed Control System, Dow AgroSciences. “This step forward in the regulatory process indicates the strong foundation of science and stewardship supporting the Enlist system and the innovation it represents.”

The FDA consultation is a voluntary step as part of the overall federal deregulation process which entails a scientific review by both FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Based on submitted information, the FDA has indicated it is their understanding that the Enlist corn product is not materially different in any respect relevant to food or feed safety from corn varieties currently on the market. A similar understanding relates to Enlist soybeans not being materially different in composition, safety, and other relevant parameters from soybean-derived food and feed currently on the market. The company has previously received United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for 2,4-D choline, which is a key component of the herbicide solution for the Enlist system.

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