Journal or Publishing Institution: The New England Journal of Medicine
Study: https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJM199603143341111
Author(s): Nestle, M.
Article Type: Report
Abstract: Genetic engineering of food plants may carry allergic properties of the donor source into the recipient plant, and current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations are inadequate to protect the public from exposure to the resultant allergenic foods. A recent study examined the effect of introducing Brazil nut genes into soy beans, which was done in order to increase the amount of an amino acid in animal feeds. Blood serum from individuals allergic to Brazil nuts reacted strongly to the altered soy beans and skin-prick tests were also positive. The FDA only requires safety testing and labeling for the 8 to 10 most commonly allergenic foods. In addition, many genetically engineered foods use microorganisms as donors. Their allergenic potential is unknown and untestable. Consumer groups are lobbying for increased regulations, but none have been implemented, and none are likely to be given current governmental policies favoring deregulation. This means consumer protection depends on voluntary industrial self-regulation.
Citation: Nestle, M., 1996. Allergies in Transgenic foods-questions of policy. The New England Journal of Medicine, 334, 726-727.
