Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) pesticides have been commonly used in organic and conventional agriculture for decades. The genes that code for the insecticidal proteins in Bt have more recently (20+ years) been introduced into crops called genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These GMOs contain Bt proteins, which protect crops from insect damage and significantly reduce the use of chemical insecticide sprays. Dozens of studies by academic scientists, regulators and seed company scientists have assessed the food, feed and environmental safety of Bt producing GMOs, and have repeatedly concluded the crops are as safe as conventional crops. The full journal article can be accessed here: bit.ly/2fs24hb

My co-authors and I reviewed and summarized the Bt protein and crop safety data in a way that emphasizes the consistent and compelling nature of their safety as food and feed. This strong Weight of Evidence demonstrates that safety concerns raised by activists are not based in science. Because regulatory decisions should be made on facts rather than opinions, it is our hope that the paper will facilitate the approval and adoption of Bt crops in world areas that would greatly benefit from their advantages (insect control, reduced chemical insecticide use and applicator exposure, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced environmental contaminants in grain).

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My co-authors and I reviewed and summarized the Bt protein and crop safety data in a way that emphasizes the consistent and compelling nature of their safety as food and feed. This strong Weight of Evidence demonstrates that safety concerns raised by activists are not based in science. Because regulatory decisions should be made on facts rather than opinions, it is our hope that the paper will facilitate the approval and adoption of Bt crops in world areas that would greatly benefit from their advantages (insect control, reduced chemical insecticide use and applicator exposure, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced environmental contaminants in grain).

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M.S. Koch, J.M. Ward, S.L. Levine, J.A. Baum, J.L. Vicini, B.G. Hammond. The food and environmental safety of Bt crops. Front Plant Sci. 2015; 6: 283. Published online 2015 Apr 29.  doi:  10.3389/fpls.2015.00283
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