EMERSON ANNOUNCES WAIVER FOR AFLATOXINS IN CORN CROP

Congressman Bill Emerson announced Thursday that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will allow Missouri corn farmers and elevators to safely blend aflatoxin adulterated corn for specific purposes.

"I cannot overemphasis the importance of the blending option to Missouri corn growers and elevator operations," he said. "The economic impact of the aflatoxin adulterated corn and the lack of marketing availability will render tremendous economic losses to an already struggling farm community in Missouri."

Last Friday, Emerson contacted the FDA's regulatory arm supporting Missouri Agriculture Director John Saunder's request for the blending waiver.

The blending will be allowed in accordance with the FDA's 1988 policy.

Under the guidelines:

Corn with excess of 20 ppb aflatoxin can be used by humans, feed use by immature animals (excluding immature poultry) and by dairy animals.

Corn containing in excess of 100 ppb aflatoxin is destined for breeding cattle, breeding swine, or mature poultry.

Corn containing in excess of 200 ppb aflatoxin can be used for finished swine (100 pounds or greater).

Corn containing in excess of 300 ppb aflatoxin can only be used for finishing beef cattle.