Safety assessment of the bacillus thuringiensis transgenic rice expressing Cry1C protein in China

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that has been used as a biological pest control for a long time. The Cry1C protein expressed by Bt genes are toxic to specific species of rice insects. Although Bt transgenic crops have been widely planted, the potential health risk to human beings still remains a concern. The rice line expressing Cry1C protein is currently undergoing risk assessment. Based on the literature reviewed, it cannot be concluded the Cry1C protein in the Bt transgenic rice is safe. In addition to the environmental issues, it is important to consider the public health relevance, such as food allergies, toxicology and genetic mutation. Further research is needed before this rice line gets biosafety certification