The problem, according to agronomists and agri-industry analysts, is that while corn was traditionally viewed mostly as livestock feed, the issue of genetic modification was moot. But the recent rise in popularity of corn chips and tortillas has elevated the problem into a human health issue. The biological makeup of corn also carries a higher risk of accidental cross- pollination and lack of storage control makes it easier for GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, to find their way into the human food chain, the experts say. But the corn, made by Franco-German Aventis SA, accidentally got into other yellow corn this year and triggered a recall of 300 brands of taco shells, chips, cornmeal and other U.S. foods. StarLink was engineered to contain a gene that protects young corn plants from destructive pests.
Indian corn is a food staple in many areas.
American Indians ate sweet corn, popcorn and corn meal in many forms and grits is a favorite across the southern United States. Because corn has distinct strains, such as white, yellow, blue and red corn, the plant has also become a favorite for genetic experimentation. Pollen, he said, is produced in the flowers at the top, or tassel, of the corn plant, some way from the cob, and can be blown in the wind. Another problem, Farnham said, is the present storage and delivery systems. There are no safeguards.