GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS

CATEGORY: FOODS TO AVOID

GMOGENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS, GM FOODS OR GMO, are foods produced from organisms that have had changes introduced into their DNA (genes) using the methods of genetic engineering. These techniques allow for the introduction of new traits as well as greater control over existing traits.

Commercial sale of genetically modified foods began in 1994. Since, they became very common. However, the exact amount of GMOs you may be eating is difficult to estimate. This is because these foods are not always labeled as such. Most food modifications have primarily focused on ‘cash crops’ in high demand by farmers such as soybean, corn, canola and cotton. More than 90% of all soybeans are genetically modified. About 70–90% of GMO crops are used to feed livestock, and MORE THAN 95% OF ALL FOOD-PRODUCING ANIMALS IN THE US CONSUME GMO FEED.

gmocorn

The rationale for all the attempts to modify the crops is that GM plants:

  • * can potentially produce higher crop yields, which helps feeding more people in developing countries
  • * reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides
  • * reduce the manpower needed to successfully grow the crops, which translates into financial gains
  • * withstand weather fluctuations and extremes – this means that they can provide sufficient yields and quality despite a severe, poor weather season
  • * yield food of improved quality – a tomato, for instance, can be engineered to stay fresher for longer
  • * GM foods can be engineered to have a high content of a specific nutrient that is lacking in the diet of a local population group – the vitamin A rich ‘golden rice’ is one example of a GM food that has been engineered to have high levels of a nutrient

 

If there are so many benefits of GM foods, why are they so widely criticized? GMO FOOD ITSELF CANNOT BE GENERALIZED AS UNHEALTHY OR TOXIC. There is no good evidence saying these foods negatively impact human health. However, there are some problems with them:

  • *  GM foods are believed to trigger allergies in humans.
  • *  As a byproduct of the GM technology other organisms in the ecosystem can be harmed, which is believed to lead to a lower level of biodiversity. By removing one pest that harms the crop, you could be removing a food source for an animal.
  • *  GM crops are toxic to some organisms in the environment, leading to reduced numbers or extinction of those organisms.
  • *  Given that some GM foods are modified using bacteria and viruses, there is a fear that we will see the emergence of new diseases. The threat to human health is a worrisome aspect of GM technology and one that has received a great deal of debate.

 

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