The Safety of Bt Corn

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9. Why did the monarch butterfly larvae feed with Bt corn died?
Bt protein affects Lepidopteran insects like the monarch butterfly. Under laboratory conditions, monarch butterfly larvae died when it was forced-fed with milkweed mixed with fresh Bt corn pollen. The preliminary result, however, is not reflective of actual field conditions.

In fact, reports indicate that Monarch population in North America has increased, which coincides with the increase plantings of Bt corn. Under field conditions, direct exposure of the caterpillars to Bt protein on milkweed is minimized or prevented due to the distribution of milkweed in the field and the behavior and migration pattern of the monarch butterfly in relation to the growing season in the US.

10. Is there international support for GM crops including Bt corn?
More than 50 international organizations including Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, European Commission, The Third World Academy of Sciences and the national academies of science and technology of several countries declared GM crops including Bt corn as safe and pose no additional threat to human and environment.

11. What is the government doing regarding the issues on Bt corn?
DA has always been vigilant in assuring the entry of safe foods for the Filipino consumer. To date, it has no basis to declare Bt corn unsafe. As a policy, the department encourages further studies to provide science-based support to different claims.

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For now, this Bt corn is safe. From year 2002 up to present is a very short time. Real time assessment make take thousand years. I hope it will stay safe forever.

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Fri, July 30 2010 » Food Safety

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