EPA claims 'no harm will result' from any levels of Bt residue on GM soybeans

(http://www.cornucopia.org) According to the Cornucopia Institute, "The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a final rule on February 12 creating an exemption for residue tolerance levels in soy foods and feed for the biological pesticide Bt used in GMO crops. Similar exemptions have already been approved for corn and cotton food and products."

Bacillus thuringiensis, the bacterium commonly called Bt, naturally produces a toxin that kills certain insects. Because of this trait, scientists have spliced Bt genes from the bacterium into GMO crops to make them more resistant to pests.

"EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1F protein," the agency wrote.

There have been a multitude of studies showing that GM foods can cause harm. "Authors of a recent study using the Bt toxins concluded that these proteins can cause harm to humans and livestock, and the risk increases with long-term exposure and with higher levels of toxins in our food," reported Cornucopia.

You can view and comment on the EPA's final rule at FederalRegister.gov. Objections to the final rule and requests for a hearing must be filed by April 14.