The problem with nutritionally enhanced plants.
Among the next generation of genetically modified (GM) plants are those that are engineered to produce elevated levels of nutritional molecules such as vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids. Based upon the U.S. current regulatory scheme, the plants and their products may enter our food supply without any required safety testing. The potential risks of this type of GM plant are discussed in the context of human health, and it is argued that there should be very careful safety testing of plants designed to produce biologically active molecules before they are commercially grown and consumed. This will require a mandatory, scientifically rigorous review process.
Schubert
David R
DR
Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037-1099, USA. schubert@salk.edu
D000975:Antioxidants; D003257:Consumer Product Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D018556:Crops, Agricultural; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D005523:Food Supply; D030841:Food, Genetically Modified / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D030781:Organisms, Genetically Modified; D012275:Oryza / Q000235:genetics; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D014162:Transfection; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration; D015003:Yeasts / Q000235:genetics; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000235:genetics
D000975:Antioxidants; D019207:beta Carotene; D014364:Tryptophan