Is it true that FSANZ has approved a GM corn that was later found to be unsafe when fed to rats?
In 2003, FSANZ approved food derived from an insect-protected corn, called MON863. The approval was granted following a comprehensive safety assessment, which did not identify any public health or safety concerns. Since that approval was given, FSANZ learned of a feeding study in rats that had been undertaken with MON863, and which had been provided to authorities in Europe as part of a data package for regulatory approval. This study was claimed by certain groups to show evidence of adverse effects in rats following the consumption of MON863 corn. The study was assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as part of its overall assessment, where they concluded that food derived from MON863 is unlikely to have an adverse effect on human and animal health. FSANZ also examined the new study and could not find any evidence of adverse effects from the consumption of MON863 corn. FSANZ therefore reaffirmed its conclusion that food from MON863 corn is as safe and wholesome as food d
