Iron-enriched rice: the case for labeling.

ABSTRACT Genetically modified rice that incorporates twofold to threefold increased amounts of iron is being developed. The product could provide improved nutrition to iron-deficient persons but may be a health hazard to large numbers of humans who are prone to iron overload. Clinical disorders such as African siderosis, beta-thalassemia, hemochromatosis, and alcoholic siderosis are of special concern. Conditions associated with iron loading include fatigue and depression; arthritis; endocrine disorders such as stunted growth, impotence, and diabetes; gastrointestinal maladies; infections and malignancies; several neurological diseases; and, not least, cardiovascular system decay. Therefore, it would be prudent to label sacks of iron-enriched rice to indicate that "this product may be dangerous to persons with iron loading conditions".