Biotech Updates

Recombinant DNA, Proteins of GM Feed Degrade in GI Tract - EFSA

July 27, 2007

In response to a request made by the European Commission to investigate the potential for transgenes or their products to be incorporated into animal tissues or products such as eggs and milk, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently prepared a literature survey on the fate of recombinant DNA of genetically modified (GM) feed within the gastrointestinal tract of livestock. EFSA has concluded that biologically active genes and proteins are common constituents of foods and feed of varying amounts. A rapid degradation into short DNA or peptide fragments is observed in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans. A large number of experimental studies on livestock have also shown that recombinant DNA fragments or proteins derived from GM plants have not been detected in tissues, fluids, and edible products of farm animals.

To read the complete report, visit http://www.efsa.europa.eu/etc/medialib/efsa/science/gmo/statements.Par.0002.File.dat/
EFSA_statement_DNA_proteins_gastroint.pdf
.