The demand for biofuels continues to grow, and while ethanol has emerged as a popular source, debate has also ensued. Still, about 30% of the nation's corn crop is used in ethanol production.

Now a new debate has sprouted around the announcement of a genetically engineered corn variety targeted to the ethanol industry.

USDA is currently seeking public comment for a transgenic corn variety engineered to produce an enzyme that would make it easier to convert the corn into ethanol. Once deregulated, the corn variety would be grown without permits or regulatory oversight.

This is problematic for consumer groups, like the Center for Food Safety, which says this is the first crop proposed for industrial use that is also a food crop. Even if the intended use for this corn is ethanol, history shows us that complete segregation of different corn varieties is not possible.

Although FDA approved the enzyme that's inserted into the corn, there's still concern around unexpected problems should this variety contaminate the food supply. Whether it's allergenicity fears or market acceptance, a transgenic crop intended for industrial use should be driven by prudence as much as profit.

Source: International Herald Tribune

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