The newly-expressed proteins in Golden Rice are not similar with allergens
or toxins, indicating its safety as food. This is according to the study
published in Nature Scientific Reports. This also follows the findings of
the US Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada, Food Standard Australia
and New Zealand, and the Philippine Department of Agriculture-Bureau of
Plant Industry.



As part of the investigation about the safety of genetically engineered
crops, analysis of the organization, integrity, and stability of the
inserted genes and evaluation of the newly expressed protein are vital.
Thus, researchers from the International Rice Research Institute conducted a
molecular characterization of the introduced DNA in Golden Rice (event
GR2E).



Results showed confirmed insertion of a single copy of the transfer DNA in
the genome and its inheritance in a dedicated location only. The DNA was
introduced without modifications, based on the nucleotide sequencing
analysis. The sequence of the newly-expressed proteins, phytoene synthase
and carotene desaturase, were not similar to the sequences of known
allergens or toxins. Furthermore, both proteins were quickly disintegrated
in a simulated acidic environment of the digestive system, while their
enzymatic activity was halted by heat treatment. Toxicity tests also showed
that the proteins have no adverse effects.

Based on the results, food derived from GR2E is safe.

[www.nature.com]