Tired of scattering your popcorn as you reach blindly into the bag in a darkened movie theater? The Glo-Corn Company, a local Martha’s Vineyard startup, has come up with a solution: glow-in-the-dark popcorn. The product is made possible through genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Glo-Corn media spokesman Iam Ernest said in a press release Tuesday.
“Our lab was able to genetically modify corn plants by inserting a gene from fireflies,” he explained.
Since there is an ongoing debate between biotechnology companies and some consumers about whether GMOs in food products are safe, Mr. Ernest said Glo-Corn Company wants to be very upfront about possible side-effects.
“Very, very minor,” he said. “A miniscule percentage of consumers have reported that they had a slight glow about them for several hours after eating the popcorn. But most said they considered that a plus, especially if they have to get up in a darkened room in the middle of the night.
“A few people also reported experiencing a temporary urge to stand under porchlights,” Mr. Ernest added.
In an effort to take the fear out of its product, he said the Glo-Corn Company has taken to the streets around theaters to offer movie-goers a free sample of glow-in-the-dark popcorn.
“We don’t want theater owners to suffer any backlash from patrons regarding our product, so we’ll be passing out bags of the popcorn from the trunks of our company cars, which will be parked not far from theaters, on public streets,” Mr. Ernest said. “Just look for small vehicles painted in neon yellow and white to resemble a popcorn kernel. And if it’s nighttime, some of the folks handing out the popcorn may be glowing.”
