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European study confirms transgenic food safety
The Genetic Risk Assessment and Evidence Communication (GRACE) project released test results on the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for animal health. Scientists fed rats with a GM variety approved in several countries around the world, including in the European Union. The results of the two analysis groups (period of 90 days and one year) showed that there is no indication that GM maize causes adverse effects. The work, funded by the European Union, is considered long-term.
In the maize variety used in the study (MON 810), an insect resistance gene was introduced for the
plant to express the Bt insecticidal toxin. In this way, the vegetable became resistant to pests of the order of lepdópteras. This corn has been released for cultivation in Brazil since 2007, and is also approved in the United States, Argentina, China and many other countries.
In addition, the GRACE project has established new methods for collecting and analyzing pre-existing GMO safety data for human, animal, and environmental health, as well as its socio-economic impacts and benefits. These new tests have confirmed the findings of previous studies, reiterating, for example, that transgenic plants resistant to insects (Bt) have no effect on non-target organisms, such as beetles, butterflies and soil micro-organisms.
Source: Grace Project, January 2016