"Attempts to Detect Biotech DNA and Protein from Biotech Crops in Milk, Meat and Eggs" Summary

This summary (170kb) contains an overview of the metabolic fate and safety of ingested DNA and protein derived from biotech crops. This summary includes information on the attempts to detect DNA and protein from biotech crops in animal products and a list of key references that provide more detail on the studies conducted. The studies address questions raised by the livestock and animal feed industries concerning possible detection of biotech-derived DNA and protein in animal products such as milk, meat, and eggs.

Overview:

* All DNA present in food and feedstuffs is considered by regulatory authorities to be safe for consumption

* Almost all food and feedstuffs will contain DNA and all DNA - including DNA from biotech crops - is made up of the same building blocks and broken down just like any other DNA

* The proteins produced in commercialized biotech crops undergo comprehensive testing to ensure food and feed safety and government and international health organizations have clearly stated that consumption of DNA from all sources is safe - including plants improved through biotechnology

* The amount of biotech DNA is extremely small compared to the total plant DNA consumed by humans or farm animals

* To date, plant DNA and proteins introduced into biotech products approved for food and feed consumption have not been detected in animal products (milk, pork, chicken, beef, eggs) from dairy cows, cattle and chickens using the most sensitive detection methods available

A comprehensive listing of citations (90kb) related to "Attempts to Detect Biotech DNA and Protein from Biotech Crops in Milk, Meat and Eggs" is also attached.

Monsanto

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