[20010110]RS20732_星形链接™ 玉米争议：出身背景.pdf

Congressional Research Service ? The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20732Updated January 10, 2001StarLinkTM Corn Controversy: BackgroundAlejandro E. Segarra, Agricultural Policy Analyst, and Jean M. Rawson, Agricultural Policy SpecialistResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryStarLinkTM is a corn variety that has been genetically modified to contain aninsecticidal protein derived from a naturally occurring bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis,or Bt). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the gene-spliced varietyof yellow corn in 1998 for use only as animal feed and set a zero-tolerance level for itsuse in human food based on the fact that this particular Bt protein does not break downeasily in the human digestive system, is heat resistant, and could prove allergenic.StarLink corn was detected in taco shells in mid-September 2000. The StarLink varietyconstitutes between 0.4% to 0.5% of total U.S. corn production; however, a larger (andunknown) amount of corn currently in market channels may be commingled withStarLink corn. EPA is examining a request from Aventis, the manufacturer, to grantStarLink a temporary emer