FOOD PRODUCTS; AGRICULTURE;

You asked what Bt is, how it is used, its benefits versus harmful effects, possible alternatives to it, and for other pertinent information.

BT CORN AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS

Bt Corn

Bt is a soil bacterium that produces toxins lethal to certain insects. Bt genes are inserted into corn and other crop plants, making them capable of producing pest-resistant toxins. Bt is a stomach poison to certain insects and must be eaten to kill those pests, unlike nerve-poison insecticides. A Bt insecticide can be sprayed on crops as well, but it becomes less effective in this form when exposed to sunlight.

There are no known adverse human health effects associated with Bt corn and foods. But it may adversely affect non-target insects (like the monarch butterfly) that consume the target pests, although recent studies have shown that the adverse affects on monarch butterflies are negligible. While extensive tests of the adverse effects of Bt corn on all non-target species are still in progress, the hazards of conventional pesticides (the alternative) are well documented, according to a fact sheet on Bt by F. B. Peairs, professor of bioagricultural sciences and pest management at Colorado State University’s Cooperative Extension. Attachment 1 contains more information or click CSUCooperativeExtension.

Preferences for pest control depend on farmers. A Reuters article from March 2003 states that out of 79 million acres that farmers will plant with corn in 2003, 26% will likely consist of Bt corn. Attachment 2 is a copy of the article or click 2003 US Crop Plantings Outlook - USDA Comments.

Genetically Modified Foods

A plant that scientists have altered by inserting a gene from an unrelated species (like Bt corn) is referred to as genetically modified (GM), transgenic, genetically engineered, or more broadly as a GMO (genetically modified organism). GM foods are considered safe by the federal Food and Drug Administration. But GM foods are not well received in Europe and other countries. (European and other international markets will refuse to purchase or use Bt corn. ) Over 70% of the food sold in U. S. grocery stores contains some portion of genetically modified material, according to a November 6, 2002 article at Forbes. com. But several U. S. organizations and states agree with the international opinion and want GM foods labeled. OLR Report 2002-R-0922 examines this issue further. Attachment 3 is a copy of the report.

Connecticut. The Environment Committee favorably reported SB 1045, An Act Concerning Genetically Modified Foods, on March 17, 2003. It requires food manufacturers that use genetically engineered ingredients in their food to label those ingredients as “genetically engineered” in the food’s federally required ingredient label, beginning January 5, 2005. Attachment 4 is copy of the bill file, or see SB-1045.

JRH: ro