‘Medium’ Chance StarLink Protein an Allergen

An independent scientific panel told the government that there’s a “medium likelihood” that the pest-fighting protein found in a controversial variety of genetically engineered corn will cause an allergic reaction in humans, and that children may be more susceptible than adults. However, the group added that the low levels of protein in processed food made the overall probability of allergic reaction low. The panel said it believes that the variety, known as StarLink bio-corn, may have played a role in allergic reactions in at least seven of the 34 people who complained of symptoms after eating products thought to contain StarLink. The panel of doctors and scientists is advising the Environmental Protection Agency on whether StarLink corn harvested over the last three years is safe enough to be allowed in the food supply. The information will be used to guide the EPA’s upcoming decision on whether to grant StarLink a temporary exemption for use in human food until it is gone from the food supply. Environmentalists and consumer groups believe the recommendation will make it hard for the EPA to grant such an exemption. “Because the scientific advisory panel was unable to say conclusively that StarLink is safe to eat, the EPA cannot, with a clear conscience, approve it,” said Phil Clapp, president of the National Environmental Trust. StarLink corn was approved for use in only animal feed and ethanol, but has gotten into the human food supply, triggering recalls of 300 supermarket products.