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USA – MOUSE MODEL FOR ALLERGY TESTING
Mouse model developed to test GM food allergenicity
Source: Media release. Michigan State University.
http://newsroom.msu.edu/site/indexer/2864/content.htm.
Scientists from Michigan State University (MSU) have developed a mouse model to test the allergy-causing potential of genetically modified foods. The researchers, led by Venu Gangur, assistant professor of food science and human nutrition, have received a $447,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their work.
The potential of GM foods to cause allergic reactions in humans is a major concern when evaluating the biosafety of GM crops. Although there are already protocols in place to make assessments association with such issues, there has hitherto been no definitive test of GM food allergenicity. The MSU scientists will use the grant to verify whether the model works on a variety of proteins. If successfully validated, the testing could be available commercially in about five years.
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