Skepticism, Science & Pseudoscience

GM foods are extensively tested (unlike old school hybrids).

The AllergenOnline database at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, independently managed by a panel of internationally recognized allergy experts who review and vote on allergen inclusion, does not list any allergens coming from GMOs. The database “lists every known protein that has been shown to cause an allergy and or even might be suspected of possibly causing a reaction,” said Richard Goodman, a food allergy research professor who runs the database at the university. Three main tests are conducted to ensure that any new proteins from GM foods do not cause allergies: in vitro test, in silico test and digestion.

Food allergy remains one of the principal safety concerns about foods derived from GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Before release of a GMO, the producers must consider the risks posed by the GMO to food allergic individuals as well as the potential to introduce new allergens. The Codex Alimentarius Commission and EFSA recommend procedures to assess the new proteins in the GMOs for potential allergenicity. The procedures are designed to screen out new proteins that are likely to cause allergy. To date, no food derived from GMOs has been found to cause new allergies.