EPA Okays Mutant Corn Protein, Skipping Pesky Residue Rules
Published Date: 8/7/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a green light to Syngenta Seeds by exempting their special protein, eCry1Gb.1Ig, from pesticide residue limits on corn. This means farmers and food makers can use this protein in corn without worrying about strict residue rules, starting August 7, 2026. If anyone has concerns, they have until October 6, 2026, to speak up—making it easier and cheaper to grow safer corn!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA finds eCry1Gb.1Ig not harmful to people
EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty that residues of the eCry1Gb.1Ig protein in or on corn will not harm people, including infants and children, and therefore established the exemption. The Agency found no oral toxicity or allergenicity in studies cited and determined no extra 10x safety factor for children is needed.
Tolerance exemption for eCry1Gb.1Ig in corn
If you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide/seed business, residues of the Bacillus thuringiensis eCry1Gb.1Ig protein in or on field corn, sweet corn, and popcorn are exempt from the requirement of a pesticide tolerance when used as a plant-incorporated protectant in corn. This rule, effective August 7, 2026, removes the need to set a maximum permissible residue level for this protein under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act when used according to the exemption.
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