Release No. 0518.95

                                                   Cynthia Eck  (301) 734-5931
                                                   Johna Pierce (202) 720-1691

USDA RULES ON GENETICALLY ENGINEERED TOMATO LINES

      WASHINGTON, June 22, 1995--The U.S. Department of Agriculture has ruled
it will no longer regulate Zeneca Plant Science and Petoseed Company, Inc.'s
tomato lines designated as B, Da, and F, which have been genetically
engineered for suppressed polygalacturonase enzyme activity.

      "We have determined that these tomato lines do not present a plant pest
risk," said John Payne, acting director of biotechnology, biologics, and
environmental protection for USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service.

      In response to their petition for a determination of nonregulated
status, USDA evaluated scientific data submitted by Zeneca Plant Science of
Wilmington, Del., and Petoseed Co. Inc., of Woodland, Calif., as well as other
scientific data and comments received from the public.  These tomato lines
were regulated because they contain gene sequences derived from plant
pathogens.
 
      These tomato lines were evaluated in field trials conducted under APHIS
permits in 1991, 1992, and 1993 and under APHIS notifications in 1994.  In the
process of reviewing the applications for those field trials, APHIS determined
that the tomato lines did not present a risk of plant pest introduction or
dissemination.

      Payne said that USDA has the responsibility to assure that, in releasing
any bioengineered plant, no plant pest risk is presented.  APHIS reviewers
focus on the biology, propagation, and cultivation of the plant.  The
reviewers examine the source of the engineered genes, the carrier used to
transfer them, and the stability of the carrier.
  
      The determination became effective on June 6 and is scheduled for
publication in the June 23 Federal Register.

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