ProdiGene Inc, a bio-pharmaceutical company, has been hit with a $250,000 fine for allowing corn genetically engineered to produce a vaccine to “escape” and contaminate 500,000 bushels of soybeans in Nebraska.
It was the largest civil penalty ever imposed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the legislation governing plant contamination.
In addition, ProdiGene will have to pay cleanup costs, estimated at about $3 million, post a $1 million bond, and adhere to stricter compliance standards than other similar companies.
It was the largest civil penalty ever imposed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the legislation governing plant contamination.
In addition, ProdiGene will have to pay cleanup costs, estimated at about $3 million, post a $1 million bond, and adhere to stricter compliance standards than other similar companies.
- KC's View:
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Expensive vaccine.
But we think that this kind of tough enforcement is the only way to maintain the critical distance between mainstream and GM crops while allowing both to thrive.
