Biotechnology Consultation
Agency Response Letter
BNF No. 000048

Dr. Keith Reding
Monsanto Company
700 Chesterfield Parkway North
St. Louis, MO 63198

Dear Dr. Reding:

This is in regard to your genetically modified NewLeaf Plus potato lines about which you initiated consultations with the Agency on July 17, 1997. According to Monsanto, the NewLeaf Plus potato lines have been modified to be Colorado Potato Beetle and Potato Leafroll Virus resistant through the expression of the CryIIIA protein from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis and the PLRV replicase protein from Potato Leafroll Virus.

As part of bringing your consultation with FDA regarding this product to closure, you submitted a summary of your safety and nutritional assessment of the NewLeaf Plus Potato lines on July 17, 1997. These communications informed FDA of the steps taken by Monsanto to ensure that this product complies with those legal and regulatory requirements that fall within FDA's jurisdiction. Based on the safety and nutritional assessment you have conducted, it is our understanding that Monsanto has concluded that the NewLeaf Plus potato lines are not materially different in composition, safety, or other relevant parameters from potatoes currently on the market and that they do not raise issues that would require premarket review or approval of FDA. All materials relevant to this consultation have been placed in a file that has been designated BNF 000048 and will be maintained by the Office of Premarket Approval.

Based on the information Monsanto has presented to FDA, we have no further questions concerning the NewLeaf Plus potato lines (NewLeaf Plus Russet Burbank RBMT21-129, RBMT21-152, and RBMT21-350, RBMT22-82, RBMT22-186, RBMT22-238 and RBMT22-262) at this time. However, as you are aware, it is Monsanto's continued responsibility to ensure that foods the firm markets are safe, wholesome, and in compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.