Minneapolis, MN - AgrEvo USA announced today that the Japan Ministry of Health and Welfare has approved LibertyLink Sugarbeets safe for human consumption.
The approval comes at the recommendation of an advisory committee of 18 food safety professionals including representatives from academics, consumer groups, food agencies and medical associations. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is charged with ensuring the safety of food products in Japan.
"LibertyLink Sugarbeets underwent extensive food safety study prior to AgrEvo's applications for approval from various food safety regulatory agencies, so we were confident that Japan would find the sugarbeets safe," said Kevin Staska, AgrEvo Product Manager for Sugarbeets. "This approval is another step toward bringing this long-awaited technology to U.S. sugarbeet growers."
Research has shown that LibertyLink Sugarbeets, that are resistant to Liberty Herbicide (glufosinate-ammonium), provide more recoverable sugar per acre compared to the best conventional sugarbeet hybrids. The system also provides growers excellent weed control with an environmentally sound herbicide.
According to Staska, Japan's approval for the import of LibertyLink Sugarbeet pulp for livestock feed purposes is expected soon. The company continues to work with the European Union to achieve necessary clearances in those countries. The Environmental Protection Agency registration for the use of Liberty Herbicide on LibertyLink Sugarbeets is anticipated near the first of the year.