BBC News Online: World: Americas

Scientific doubts about GM corn

An investigation by American scientists into the possible impact on human health of a genetically modified corn has found a medium likelihood of it causing allergic reactions.

A food scare involving the corn led to millions of taco shells, one of America's favourite fast foods, being withdrawn from supermarkets and restaurants earlier this year.

A panel of scientists, appointed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, said there were still many unanswered questions about the safety of the corn called Starlink, which is genetically engineered to repel pests.

It's currently approved for use only in animal feed and ethanol production.

Environmentalists say the scientists' findings mean the corn is unlikely to be approved for human consumption.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service