关键词: 转基因, 抗虫, 苏云金芽孢杆菌, Cry蛋白, 食品安全

Abstract: Bt microbial insecticides have been used to control larval insect pests that feed on agricultural crops, forest and drinking water for over 50 years. They are also widely used in certified organic agricultural food production in the United States, Europe and other countries. Cry proteins are most commonly introduced in registered Bt crops. Mode of action, food safety and allergenicity of Cry protein have been rigorously tested using rodent, farm animals, and human experiment and bioinformatics research tools. The insecticidal function of Cry protein only works in the alkaline environment of the insect gut where specific receptors on the membranes of midgut epithelial cells present. Other non-target organisms (humans, rhesus monkeys, mice, rats and cows etc.) lack these receptors. Regulatory agencies in US, EU and other countries have confirmed the history of safe consumption of Bt crop and Cry protein residues on crops and in drinking water. Food processing can minimize dietary intake to functionally active Cry proteins. Bt crop contributes to reduce use of insecticides and improves the safe consumption of corn grain by lowering contamination from fumonisin mycotoxins.

Key words: Genetically Modified, Insect Resistance, Bacillus thuringiensis, Cry protein, food safety1