Study Looks into Safety of Monsanto's GM Corn

ST. LOUIS--A recent study conducted by Monsanto, Early Development Services at Covance and Colorado Quality Research found that Monsanto's own strains of genetically modified (GM) corn are safe and appropriate for food and feed use. The study will be published online in the June 15th issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 48, issue 6, pages 2305-2312.

Scientists found that, after two phases of examination, Monsanto's Roundup Ready GM corn is "as safe and nutritious as conventional corn for food and feed use." In fact, said Monsanto scientist Dr. Ravinder Sidhu, the data indicates that all Monsanto's crops are safe. "This data is representative of the results obtained from Monsanto's battery of tests that thoroughly examines the safety and performance of our crops developed through biotechnology," he said.

The first phase of the tests was conducted from 1996 to 1997 to provide information to the United States regulatory agencies to obtain their approval. The second phase, conducted from 1997 to 1999 provided additional information.

Overall, the results, according to Monsanto, are reassuring. However, some in the industry have a difference of opinion. "[The study] doesn't address any kind of environmental concerns," said Holly Givens, a spokesperson for the Organic Trade Association (OTA). "It doesn't eliminate OTA's concerns about genetically modified organisms."