Is BT-Corn Safe Or Toxic?

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Recommended: Bio ethics in genetic engineering

BT-Corn
Is it safe or toxic?

Introduction
Pick up a box of cornflakes; chances are you’re looking at genetically modified food. Genetically modified food can be found everywhere, in the supermarkets, farms, houses, etc., but no one really knows about it. One of the most popular genetically modified foods is BT Corn. BT corn is genetically modified corn; engineered to keep pests away from the crop. BT is an acronym for common soil-inhabiting bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis. Although these revolutionized genetically modified food may sound innovative, there are ethical issues that need to be considered, such as effects on the environment and effects on human health.

Biology
BT consists of delta entoxins, which rapidly paralyse an insect’s …show more content…

There have been cases reporting in the development of corn allergy, when working in farms with BT corn. These cases were then dropped because; there was not enough solid evidence to back up the claims. Another case that was filed was that BT was found in human cells, due to the consumption of BT corn. (Tukey, 2012) The toxins that are present in BT corn are only meant to be active only against particular insects and should have no effect on non-targeted organisms and humans at all. However, a recent experiment by the ‘Safe Lawn Organisation’ has shown that they can have effect on human cells. These findings really question if GMO such as BT corn is toxic. (Tukey, …show more content…

BT corn pollen consists of delta entoxins, which are toxic to pests. BT corn pollen can contaminate adjacent non-BT corn crops. This is then an issue because when the non-BT corn gets contaminated, the crops are considered “toxic” by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). They will not permit international trades using those crops, which means less corn in the supermarkets with higher prices. (Peairs, 2013)

Concerns have also been raised regarding the effect of delta entoxins on Monarch butterflies. The BT corn pollen is slowly eliminating the population of Monarch butterflies. These butterflies are not the original targeted species for the pesticide. Although BT corn can protect crops from unwanted insects, they can also have unintentional effects on other non-targeted species.

Is Management Necessary?
Management is definitely necessary to ensure food standards and procedures throughout farms and supermarkets. Further research needs to be conducting regarding GMO and its

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