From Norman Carey
I was most interested to read that people are now producing a modified peanut protein allergen based on recombinant DNA to induce tolerance (24 June, p 40). If one gene or a small number of genes is involved, and if the protein product(s) are not essential to the growth of the plant, I wonder whether anyone is considering producing a genetically modified peanut that lacks the ability to express the allergen.
If it were possible to make such a plant, people allergic to the “wild” organisms could probably eat the modified nut, or products derived from it, with impunity. Lives could be saved and treatment would not be needed.
We would then have the ironic situation that “natural” peanuts, even if grown “organically”, could kill some people whereas the GMO version would not. Some manufacturers would have to think again about labelling their products “contains no GMOs”.
Chinnor, Oxfordshire, UK
