Monsanto's Enhanced Stearate Soybean Safe for Feed in Canada

This Decision Document has been prepared to explain the regulatory decision reached under Directive 95-03, entitled Guidelines for the Assessment of Novel Feeds: Plant Sources.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), specifically the Animal Feed Division of the Animal Health Directorate, has evaluated information submitted by Monsanto Canada Inc. regarding Enhanced Stearate Soybean, which has elevated stearic acid content.

The CFIA has determined that this novel feed does not present livestock feed safety concerns when compared to currently commercialized soybean varieties in Canada.

Taking into account this evaluation, use as livestock feed of Enhanced Stearate Soybean is therefore authorized by the Animal Feed Division of the Animal Health Directorate as of July 30th, 2008.

Any soybean lines derived from Enhanced Stearate Soybean may also be used as livestock feed, provided that (i) no inter-specific crosses are performed, (ii) the intended uses are similar and (iii) it is known based on characterization, that these plants do not display any additional novel traits and are substantially equivalent to currently grown soybean varieties in Canada, in terms of their potential environmental impact and livestock feed safety.

Enhanced Stearate Soybean is subject to the same phytosanitary import requirements as its unmodified counterpart.