Mycotoxin Reduction in Bt Corn: Potential Economic, Health, and Regulatory Impacts

Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) Bt corn, through the pest protection that it confers, has lower levels of mycotoxins: toxic and carcinogenic chemicals produced as secondary metabolites of fungi that colonize crops. In some cases, the reduction of mycotoxins afforded by Bt corn is significant enough to have an economic impact, both in terms of domestic markets and international trade. In less developed countries where certain mycotoxins are significant contaminants of food, Bt corn adoption, by virtue of its mycotoxin reduction, may even improve human and animal health. This paper describes an integrated assessment model that analyzes the economic and health impacts of two mycotoxins in corn: fumonisin and aflatoxin. It was found that excessively strict standards of these two mycotoxins could result in global trade losses in the hundreds of millions US dollars annually, with the US, China, and Argentina suffering the greatest losses. The paper then discusses the evidence for Bt corn's lower levels of contamination of fumonisin and aflatoxin, and estimates economic impacts in the United States. A total benefit of Bt corn's reduction of fumonisin and aflatoxin in the US was estimated at 23 million dollars annually. Finally, the paper examines the potential policy impacts of Bt corn's mycotoxin reduction, on nations that are making a decision on whether to allow commercialization of this genetically modified crop.

Mycotoxins in cattle feeds and carry-over to dairy milk: A review

“…Contamination of feeds with mycotoxins accounts for significant economic losses in animal husbandry, as well as in undesirable trade barriers for raw materials and consumable products (Wu 2006). Experimental data and clinical experience suggest that ruminants are less susceptible than other animal species to the adverse health effects associated with mycotoxin exposure.…”

The contribution of transgenic plants to better health through improved nutrition: opportunities and constraints

“…For example, the planting of Bt cotton has reduced pesticide applications by 50 % in India, avoiding up to 9 million poisoning incidents and saving $51 million (Kouser and Qiam 2011). Bt corn also has lower levels of mycotoxins (e.g., fumonisin), saving $23 million annually in crop losses (Wu 2006). Nutritional traits therefore need to be combined with firstgeneration input traits for maximum benefit .…”

Influence of growing Bt maize on Fusarium infection and mycotoxins content - a review

“…are not carried by the insect species controlled by Bt transgenes. In a review from 2006, Wu (2006) summarises the published results again in relation to Bt maize and the mycotoxins content. Especially in the US, he states, mycotoxins annually cause losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and the contamination with aflatoxins is the most serious off.…”

“…As that author states, the positive influence of Bt maize has been proven and its contribution to reducing mycotoxins is an important contribution to food safety especially in developing countries. That is especially true where unprocessed maize is consumed (Wu 2006).…”