Genetically Modified Foods

June 4, 2012

SCI 220

Although not widely publicized, genetically modified foods have been in our food supply for decades. Genetically modified foods are engineered to benefit and protect the food supply by providing an abundant supply of crops that may repel insects without the need for pesticides and less expensive crops that maintain freshness for longer. There are also disadvantages in using genetically modified foods because the genetically modified version of the food may differ from the original food, losing its nutritional value or creating an allergen. The continuous study and regulation of genetically modified foods will protect the food supply and the people who consume it. Since the onslaught of pesticide use and environmental concerns, genetically modified foods have made its way into grocery stores and supermarkets. The “Bionet” (n.d.) website states, “Genetically modified food products are plants that have had their genetic characteristics altered. Scientists change the plants' characteristics by putting new genetic material into them, genes for example from a bacterium which can withstand pesticides.” Without knowing, Americans consume GM foods daily. Most people are unaware of the modifications in their food because the United States, unlike Australia, does not require a GM food label to identify whether or not the food is modified or not (Berry, 2012). According to Berry (2012), “Determining whether a food contains GM content requires DNA testing. As this is expensive, there is currently no policing of GM food labeling laws for foods that are imported into the country. Many of the foods we buy at the supermarket contain imported GM ingredients. They can be found in chocolate, cheese, chips, bread and salad dressing to name but a few.” Many of the main modified crops are produced to repel bugs, resist antibiotics, or to add nutrients and other elements missing in particular foods. There seems to be as many advantages as there are disadvantages according to scientists, researchers and farmers ("Bionet", n.d.). For example, the sweet corn crop has been modified to repel insects in order to rid farmers of the need to use insect repellent which is beneficial to the health of the environment in general, and specifically the surrounding areas where the crops are located, as well as the health of the farmer who no longer has to ingest and be surrounded by harmful pesticides. Another example would be the first crop that was genetically modified and consumed by the masses in 1994 – the tomato. The genetically modified tomatoes last longer, held better color, stayed on the vine longer, and also produced fewer chemicals that allow them to rot. The world’s population is at a rising six billion people and it is expected to double within the next fifty years. This puts genetically modified foods on the radar because of the possibilities that these types of foods may provide for all communities within the country. Although the advantages of genetically modified foods are criticized periodically, it is important to understand that the need for more food for our future will be fulfilling for all. There are certain ways that genetically modified foods may make a difference such as pest resistance and herbicide tolerance. Pest resistance will help farmers from financial losses as well as in certain developing countries that are still starving today. A concern that many consumers endure when buying certain foods is whether pesticides were sprayed on the product in which they are purchasing. “Growing GM foods such as B.t. corn can help eliminate the application of chemical pesticides and reduce the cost of bring a crop to market” (Whitman, 2000). Another concern that consumers may have when purchasing fresh produce is if certain chemicals such as Roundup has been sprayed to reduce weeds in which is extremely close to the fresh crops. Killing weeds is a costly chore for many farmers, but many of them use the method of spraying weeds in between their crops because it can be done in large quantities. “Crop plants genetically- engineered to be resistant to one very powerful herbicide could help prevent environmental damage by reducing the amounts of herbicides needed” (Whitman, 2000), such as soybeans in which only require about one application of a weed-killer. If genetically modified foods can pass certain inspections by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then certain products that contain more vitamins and minerals such as “golden rice” will be beneficial to third world countries and other starving communities that are malnourished. Conversely, genetically modified foods also have risks that can affect human health. The World Health Organization has identified three main issues of concern: allergenicity, gene transfer, and outcrossing. Allergic reactions in people are triggered by the proteins in food are what trigger most allergic. Most of the foreign proteins being gene-spliced into foods have never been eaten by humans before or tested for their safety. There is also no mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods. Therefore, those who suffer from food allergies have no way of knowing if the foods they purchase are genetically modified. Second, gene transfer is a concern because the modified genes of the organisms may escape into the wild. “Brown University warns that herbicide-resistant genes from commercial crops may cross into the wild weed population, thus creating "superweeds" that is impossible to kill with herbicides” (Duvauchelle, 2011). Last, outcrossing refers to “the movement of genes from GM plants into conventional crops or related species in the wild” (World Health Organization). The effect of outcrossing is less obvious and far less direct than many of the short-term consequences of GM foods. However, outcrossing can have a significant effect on the safety of food and ultimately, our food security. In conclusion, while there are some risks, such as allergens and gene transfer, there is not enough data that exists to warrant a stop in production of GM crops. In fact, genetically engineered food may have to answer the demand of an ever-growing populous, and with the financial benefit gained (lest pest equals more profit) by farmers who grow these crops, and the humanitarian and social stabilization in developing countries, GM foods are found in produce sections and local dining room tables. Genetically engineered fruits and vegetables are also responsible for a reduction in the use of pesticides, as through said modifications the foods produced become pest resistant and herbicide tolerant. GM foods are being used more regularly, and as standards are developed surrounding labeling, health effects, consumption, the use of genetically modified foods will become more prevalent.

References
Berry, S. (2012). Genetically modified heath? Retrieved from http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/genetically-modified-health-20120427-1xp2k.html,
Bionet. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/ff_cont3.htm

Duvauchelle, J. (2011, March 31). Pros and cons of gmo foods. Retrieved from

http://www.livestrong.com/article/213053-pros-cons-of-gmo-foods/
Whitman, D. B. (2000). Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? Retrieved from http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php
World Health Organization, (n.d.). 20 questions on genetically modified foods. Retrieved

From http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/

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