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44 Claim Illness Was Caused by Biotech Corn in Food
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
December 10 2000 | 1,181 views

At least Forty-four Americans are claiming that they became ill after eating foods containing StarLink corn, a genetically modified type of corn approved only for animal consumption.

Scientists with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said they are investigating the claims that the corn, known as StarLink, might have caused:

  • Rashes
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Itching
  • Life-threatening anaphylactic shock

"We're continuing to follow these people and are trying to get as much medical information as we can," said Karl Klontz, an FDA epidemiologist.

StarLink was approved for use only as animal feed in 1998 because of concerns that its protein might cause allergic reactions in humans. Traces of the corn turned up in taco shells in September being exposed by Friends of the Earth (www.foe.org), an environmental advocacy group, after triggering a recall of more than 300 kinds of foods and widespread genetic testing by food manufacturers.

The EPA is currently considering whether to grant Aventis SA, which developed the corn, temporary approval to use StarLink in human food. The company faces potentially huge costs if the agency maintains its restrictions on StarLink.

  • Of the 44 people who blamed StarLink for their illness, 13 went to a doctor for treatment.
  • They included a man who was rushed to a hospital emergency room for anaphylactic shock after eating corn chips.
  • A 13-year-old boy was also treated by emergency room physicians when his face and tongue swelled after he ate tortillas.

While Aventis contends that its scientific data shows that only a minuscule amount has entered the human food supply and a typical American would consume nowhere near enough to cause allergic reactions, environmental and consumer activists argue that not enough data is yet available to clear StarLink of health risks.

Of the illnesses reported to the FDA:

  • 59 percent were deemed to be "compatible" with food allergy symptoms.
  • 16 percent of the illnesses were categorized as "unlikely" to be linked to the biotech corn, including vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Remainder of the cases were classified as "unknown" by the FDA investigators because of conflicting symptoms or a lack of information.
An EPA-appointed panel of 15 physicians, toxicologists and other scientists was scheduled to submit its recommendations on StarLink and allergenicity to the EPA last week and the agency is expected to act soon after that.

Reuters November 29, 2000



Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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Whether or not these people's illnesses were caused by this genetically modified corn, I have no idea. But this really is not the main point. GM foods don't have to cause serious illness to be bad for you. ALL GM foods should be avoided. This of course takes a great deal of effort considering that a recent estimate says that 60% of food in the supermarket contains GM ingredients. In addition, there are NO LABELING requirements in this country.

Related Articles:

Biotech-Corn Problems Lead to Recall Of 300 Products, Disrupt Farm Belt

Genetically Altered Corn Controversy Growing

New Concerns Rise on Keeping Track of Modified Corn

Banned Biotech Corn Found in Taco Bell Shells

The biotech gold rush is making a mockery of the world patent system

Americans Don't Know They are Eating Genetically Modified Food

Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods






 
 
 
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