Approaches to Assessing Potential Food Allergy from Genetically Engineered Plants:  On October 7, 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of funding for the Approaches to Assessing Potential Food Allergy from Genetically Engineered Plants Program (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 66.509). The purpose of this program is to research innovative or improved methods to predict whether or not a pesticide protein is a food allergen. Research to characterize the key factors that influence human immune responses to dietary proteins is needed in order to better assess potential food allergy from genetically engineered plants. Proposals are requested on the role of dose, route of sensitization and/or the physicochemical properties of ingested proteins and their influence on the development of immune sensitization, oral tolerance or the elicitation of allergic symptoms.  The application deadline is January 7, 2010. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, hospitals and state and local governments. To request an application package, visit www.grants.gov. For further information, contact William Stelz, stelz.william@epa.gov, 202-343-9802.