Health Impacts Allergenicity. Pioneer Hi-Bred requested a study in 1995 of a new soybean developed by the company that spliced a Brazil nut gene into soybeans to create a soybean with a nutritious nut protein. The study showed that the transferred gene was enough to trigger reactions to the soybean in those allergic to Brazil nuts. The study has become a landmark example of the possible safety hazards of genetic engineering. Health implications of Bt.
Many environmental concerns surround genetically modifying products to contain Bt.
A lesser explored concern is the health implication of ingesting Bt. As a spray-on pesticide, Bt easily degrades into the soil and can also be washed off produce. The long-term effects of ingesting Bt products are unknown. Dr. Arpad Pusztai, formerly of the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen Scotland, conducted a controversial, un-peer reviewed study where he fed genetically modified potatoes to rats. Dr. Pusztai's study documented that these rats experienced stunted organ and brain growth and breakdowns in their immune system.