how do GMO crops cause allergens?

Expert response from Community Manager

Moderator for GMOAnswers.com

Friday, 11/03/2016 11:30

Food from GMO crops is the same as food from non-GMO crops and is digested in the body same way. GMO food does not present any health risks, new allergies, cancers, or any other diseases. In the years that farmers have grown crops from GM seeds (since around 1994) there has not been a single documented instance of harm to human health resulting from genetic modification, including allergic reactions.

Looking for expert perspectives on this topic? RD Lisa Katic discusses the major food allergies, what causes them and explains how biotech plays into the picture.

“Food allergies are mainly caused by eight major foods (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish) and account for about 90% of reported food allergies in the US.  First, it is important to note that only one of these eight major allergens listed above is a potential product of biotechnology and that is soy. Of the remaining seven allergens listed, none are commercially available in genetically modified varieties.”

Dan Goldstein, Senior Science Fellow and Lead, Medical Sciences and Outreach, Monsanto Company, explains,

“To date, no reports exist of individuals who have developed sensitivity to proteins added via the genetic modification of foods, nor is there any evidence that genetic modification has increased the allergenic potential of foods. Studies of allergy-related (IgE) antibody binding using serum from food allergic individuals have not demonstrated consistent differences with GM vs. conventional food when examined (soybean).  In short, there is no evidence that GM foods have contributed in any manner to changes in the prevalence of food allergy, nor is there a reasonable hypothesis suggesting that they would or could do so.”

You can read his whole answer here.

We hope the information provided answers your question. If you have any further questions, please ask. Also, feel free to contribute to the discussion in the comment section below!

Expert response from Community Manager

Moderator for GMOAnswers.com

Friday, 11/03/2016 11:30

Food from GMO crops is the same as food from non-GMO crops and is digested in the body same way. GMO food does not present any health risks, new allergies, cancers, or any other diseases. In the years that farmers have grown crops from GM seeds (since around 1994) there has not been a single documented instance of harm to human health resulting from genetic modification, including allergic reactions.

Looking for expert perspectives on this topic? RD Lisa Katic discusses the major food allergies, what causes them and explains how biotech plays into the picture.

“Food allergies are mainly caused by eight major foods (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish) and account for about 90% of reported food allergies in the US.  First, it is important to note that only one of these eight major allergens listed above is a potential product of biotechnology and that is soy. Of the remaining seven allergens listed, none are commercially available in genetically modified varieties.”

Dan Goldstein, Senior Science Fellow and Lead, Medical Sciences and Outreach, Monsanto Company, explains,

“To date, no reports exist of individuals who have developed sensitivity to proteins added via the genetic modification of foods, nor is there any evidence that genetic modification has increased the allergenic potential of foods. Studies of allergy-related (IgE) antibody binding using serum from food allergic individuals have not demonstrated consistent differences with GM vs. conventional food when examined (soybean).  In short, there is no evidence that GM foods have contributed in any manner to changes in the prevalence of food allergy, nor is there a reasonable hypothesis suggesting that they would or could do so.”

You can read his whole answer here.

We hope the information provided answers your question. If you have any further questions, please ask. Also, feel free to contribute to the discussion in the comment section below!