GM Rice

In India, where millions of people consume rice as their staple food, a Bt Rice crop is in the advanced stage of development. The Bt genes have been recorded to be toxic and allergenic in scientific studies and one can imagine the impact on the health of the nation. When it came to Basmati Rice meant for exports, the Government banned GM rice trials in the basmati belt. However, for the lesser mortals – the Indian Citizens, in all likelihood the Bt Rice or Golden Rice would be approved.

Let's take the most hyped up GM crop - the Golden Rice, a name it acquired thanks to its yellow color. It is quite another matter that the Golden Rice was engineered to make beta-carotene – a precursor to Vitamin A and the yellow color of the rice was just another GM error. An US TV commercial for the product claimed that it can ‘help prevent blindness and infection in millions of children' suffering from Vitamin A deficiency. True, but with a slight catch (as it is normally the case with GM food).

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