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What biotech crops does DuPont currently market?
DuPont currently markets insect resistant (Bt) corn and herbicide tolerant corn, soybeans and canola. These products, sold under the Pioneer® brand, provide farmers with new crop management options and increased productivity. Before being marketed, these products were rigorously tested and reviewed by regulatory authorities for food safety, environmental impacts and product performance. » More
How do we know whether the methods of biotechnology have unintentionally changed the nutritional value of a crop?
Verifying the nutritional value of biotech crop products is of paramount importance to consumers, regulatory authorities and product developers. Regulatory agencies require rigorous analysis of specific macronutrients, such as proteins, and micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. In addition, DuPont voluntarily conducts animal growth and feeding studies. Regulatory agencies in the U.S. and other countries have determined that biotechnology crops are as nutritious and safe as similar crops already on the market. We also are using biotechnology to intentionally improve the nutritional value of some crops. These products will undergo appropriate regulatory approvals. » More
Are the new genes in biotechnology crops safe for human consumption?
Both the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have concluded that there is no inherent risk in consuming DNA from biotechnology crops. The new genes, like all genes, are made from DNA. People have always consumed DNA from a wide variety of sources including plants, animals, bacteria, etc. » More
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Are biotechnology crops, or products derived from them, as safe as similar crops derived from plant breeding?
The safety of biotechnology crops and their products must be established before DuPont will market the product. Certain crop plants, such as potatoes, produce natural toxins. Before commercializing a biotechnology crop, we conduct tests that identify whether changes have taken place that may affect food safety. In addition, we provide testing results on the protein produced by the new gene evaluate its safety.
In April 2000, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences released a report stating, “The committee is not aware of any evidence that foods on the market are unsafe to eat as a result of genetic modification.” Finally, regulatory officials in the U.S. and several other countries have determined that current biotechnology crops on the market are as safe as their conventional counterparts. » More
Can random insertion of the new gene into the plant’s DNA cause unexpected changes?
Yes. Keep in mind that unexpected changes are also possible regardless of the method used to develop the improved crop. That is why thousands of tests are conducted to monitor those changes. We eliminate plants that have unacceptable changes in food safety, nutritional value or agronomic performance during the stages of product development. We submit a regulatory request for product approval only if the resulting data shows that the biotechnology crop performs predictably and meets established standards for human health and environmental safety. » More
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Are the transgenes unstable since their elements can come from different species?
There is no evidence that transgenes are any more or less stable than other genes in commercially developed transgenic products. Only those experimental products that demonstrate stable inheritance of the transgene pass the test to become a commercial product.
Can the dimmer switch that regulates gene activity in the transgene turn on other genes in the plant?
The dimmer switch (technically referred to as a gene promoter) only affects adjacent genes, and the distance over which it can act is very limited. In addition, because of the advances in crop biotechnology, it is possible to position the dimmer switch in the new transgene in a way that minimizes or even eliminates this effect. During product development, DuPont monitors biotechnology crop nutritional quality and food safety very closely.
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