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We have reviewed the 1992-crop corn situation with a number 

 of grain handling and processing groups. Based on the weather 

 patterns in the corn belt, we do not believe the necessary 

 conditions were present to cause an appreciable aflatoxin problem 

 in this area where the vast majority of U.S. com is produced. 

 He are pleased that in those scattered areas which have seen 

 problems, FDA has approved a temporary blending program and 

 reiterated its guidelines which provide a safe feed outlet for 

 most affected com. Food processors comply with the FDA 

 guideline limiting food-use corn to no more than 20 ppb 

 aflatoxin, and FDA's actions assist in insuring that affected 

 corn is not offered to food processors. 



While aflatoxin occurs in the U.S. corn crop only 

 infrequently, the grain industry has supported research efforts 

 to identify the causes of aflatoxin formation and develop ways to 

 prevent its formation in field crops. Com growers and 

 processors are active participants in the Multi-Crop Aflatoxin 

 Working Group, an alliance of producers, processors and marketers 

 of peanuts, com, cottonseed and tree nuts, formed to seek 

 scientific solutions to the problems caused by natural 

 contaunination of crops with aflatoxin. 



This group brings together industry and USDA's Agricultural 

 Research Service in research progreuns aimed at eliminating 

 aflatoxin in field crops by developing resistant plant varieties, 

 benign and naturally-occurring bio-competitive organisms and 

 systems to interrupt the genetic pathway which leads to toxin 

 formation by molds. A list of members of this group is attached 

 to my testimony, along with the most current list of projects 

 supported by ARS funding. We appreciate the strong support of 

 the Agriculture Appropriations siibcommittee for this effort, and 

 urge your continued support as well. 



