CDC preliminary findings on GE corn - Apr. 30

[Mike Quinn]

Emma Patten-Hitt, PhD 
Reuters Health via Yahoo! News 
April 30, 2001 

ATLANTA - Corn genetically engineered to produce insect-killing proteins may
have caused several cases of allergic reaction, but it is too soon to know
for sure, according to an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The genetically engineered corn, called StarLink, is produced by Aventis
Crop Science and was removed from use for human consumption because of
concerns about potential allergic reactions. It was, however, later found in
taco shells, leading to a recall of more than 300 food products last
September. 

To assess the health effects of this incident, CDC researchers led by Dr.
Brad S. Winterton interviewed 18 individuals who reported symptoms
consistent with food allergies after eating corn products--mainly tacos and
corn chips. 

Of 18 persons interviewed, 12 reported a serious allergic reaction called
anaphylaxis, which is characterized by low blood pressure and difficult
breathing. Fourteen reported skin allergy, and nine reported stomach
problems. 

The researchers reported the findings on Thursday at the CDC's 50th Annual
Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference meeting here. 

<snip>

"I wish we had the answer to whether the corn caused these allergic
reactions," Winterton said, but he pointed out that it is rare for people to
have an allergy to corn that has not been genetically modified to produce
Cry9C. 

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full story:
http://www.biotech-info.net/jury_still_out.html	

 
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