Controversy and genetically modified (gm) foods are inseparable. Science journal Nature reported on March 23, 2005 that biotech firm Syngenta International ag had inadvertently distributed an unauthorised variety of gm corn (b t10) in the us between 2001 and 2004. Syngenta says it informed us authorities of the matter as soon as it learned of the fau pax late last year; it claims there will be no adverse effects.

The company says us authorities had "confirmed the...safety of b t10...current plantings and seed stock containing b t10 have been identified and destroyed or contained.' But it hasn't divulged if it sent b t10 to other countries.