Since 1992 FDA has allowed companies like Monsanto to decide for themselves whether their new genetically-engineered foods should be added to the GRAS list and thus escape regulation. In other words, FDA regulation of genetically engineered foods is voluntary, not mandatory. A Monsanto official told the New York Times that the corporation should not have to take responsibility for the safety of its food products. Our interest is in selling as much of it as possible. In sum, biotech is an industry in the grip of a frontier mentality.
Government is a willing and servile participant.
In this powdered form, Bt is neither present in high concentrations nor for very long because it degrades in sunlight. But now that Bt is continuously present in whole fields of Monsanto potatoes, the insects in those field will be continuously exposed to Bt. The mechanism of resistance is well understood because over 500 insects have become resistant to one pesticide or another since 1945. Not every potato beetle will be killed by eating Monsanto's pesticidal potatoes. A few hardy beetles will survive.