cants are presented during consultation with FDA, there is a lack of an extensive database on the natural levels of such compounds in both transgenic and conventional pest-protected plants. The committee recognizes the challenges associated with detecting changes in those compounds given insufficient analytical information, and therefore, recommends research to

Assess and enhance data on the baseline concentrations of plant compounds of potential dietary or other toxicological concern, and determine how concentrations of these compounds may vary depending on the genetic background of the plant and environmental conditions.

In addition to the above research, the committee recommends that

The EPA, FDA, and USDA collaborate on the establishment of a database for natural plant compounds of potential dietary or other toxicological concern.

The committee recognizes that a significant amount of time and resources will be needed to establish such a database, given the complexity of these plant compounds.

For some novel pest-protectants developed for future commercialization, longterm toxicity testing may be warranted. Tests which involve feeding of large quantities of pest-protected plants to animals have limitations, and the results can be difficult to interpret especially when the animal's natural diet does not consist of the type and quantities of the plant being tested (section 2.5.2). Therefore, the committee recommends research to

Examine whether longterm feeding of transgenic pest-protected plants to animals whose natural diets consist of the quantities and type of plant material being tested (for example, grain or forage crops fed to livestock) could be a useful method for assessing potential human health impacts.

In conclusion, although there is the potential for the adverse health effects discussed in this section,

The committee is not aware of any evidence that foods on the market are unsafe to eat as a result of genetic modification.