USDA: No Environmental Impact Study Needed to Deregulate Genetically Modified Corn

The USDA may deregulate the world’s first genetically engineered industrial crop without a full Environmental Impact Study, relying instead on an incomplete Environmental Assessment from the creator, Syngenta.

Opponents say releasing ‘Event 3272′ into the environment poses unacceptable risks to humans due to an exotic enzyme that could trigger allergic reactions.

Syngenta’s ‘Event 3272′ contains a form of alpha amylase, an enzyme derived from microorganisms that live near deep sea hydrothermal vents. The enzyme is produced at extremely high levels in the corn kernels and has no history of safe use for humans.

A different version of this enzyme from fungi causes respiratory allergies (closely related to food allergies), leading critics to believe that it is risky to let the corn enter the food supply, as the USDA admits will happen. Syngenta’s version of alpha amylase is resistant to thermal breakdown, making it likely to survive food processing and trigger allergic reactions.

The Center for Food Safety states that Event 3272 corn:

• Contains a form of the enzyme alpha amylase which is possibly capable of causing food allergies in people who inadvertently consume this corn. Humans have never been exposed to this form of alpha amylase before.
• Will enter the food supply, even though it is only intended for fuel. The USDA admits that if Event 3272 corn enters the food supply, it could negatively impact food quality.
• Is not needed to meet US goals for ethanol production as the USDA has erroneously suggested. Corn ethanol production has already surpassed the 2012 target of 8.2 billion gallons two years ago.

My view?

I’m opposed to genetically engineered crops for both food and fuel, and I don’t want Syngenta to make us the guinea pigs for this GMO corn. Once these franken-crops are in the environment, the likelihood for the genetic pollution of wild plants and food crops by cross-pollination is high.

What can you do?

Tell the USDA to halt this approval until a full EIS has been completed that addresses the human health, environmental, and economic impacts this industrial corn presents. The Center for Food Safety has a letter for public comments to the USDA about Event 3272 corn that you can add your name to.

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