Starlink protein

The previously discussed StarLink episode is perhaps the most widely evaluated incidence potentially leading to potential health effects associated with GMOs. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a retrospective study, the US FDA hypothesized that exposure to the Bt Cry9c protein could be cause for allergic responses. However, the results of the FDA research concluded that there was no evidence of GMO-mediated allergenicity subsequent to potential exposure to the StarLink corn. 

Furthermore, an allergic reaction cannot occur on first exposure to a substance. It takes repeated exposure to build up the antibodies that eventually react with an allergen to produce an allergic reaction. Since the manufacturer of the suspect taco shells immediately removed the product from the market, the chance of a reaction, even if the protein did turn out to be allergenic, was minimal. The antibiotech rhetoric generated by the StarLink issue in some circles is not supported by the facts. 

---