- What are GM foods?
Genetically modified foods are derived from genetic engineering of various organisms. Unlike mutagenesis which results in non-specific alterations of the DNA, genetic engineering results in precise changes to the DNA component in an organism.
The sale of GM foods commenced in 1994, and the first GM food to be sold was a tomato that was genetically engineered to ripen at a slower rate (International Food Council 125). Genetically modified foods are mainly derived from transgenic plants. These plants are derived from artificially inserting genes into them which alters their DNA composition. The inserted gene, also known as the transgene, helps the plant increase its pathogens resistance, grow faster, increase its nutritional value, and many more benefits. It is essential to note that GM foods may also be derived from a process referred to as cisgenesis (Talbot 84). Whereas transgenic plants are crops inserted with genes from a different species, cisgenic plants are derived from inserting a plant with genes from its species or a close relative taxonomically. Cisgenesis is normally applied to develop GM crops which are hard to crossbreed (Persley and Siedow 3).
As noted above, GM foods are derived from genetically modified plants; these plants are developed in a laboratory where they are genetically engineered to achieve a desired effect. Once this effect is achieved, the crops are tested to ensure that they are fit for human consumption (International Food Council 126). Consequently, GM foods are developed from these plants via either of two processes: mediated transformation or biolistic method (Roller and Harlander 29). After the development of the GM food using the two methods, the food is then tested to confirm its suitability for consumption by humans (Toke 201). If the tests are successful, the company developing the GM food has to get approval from a market regulator to start selling the food for mass consumption.b) Types of GM foods
- Sugar
Sugar can be extracted from either sugarcane or sugar beet. Scientists have found a way of genetically engineering sugar beet to make it resistant to glyphospate and other chemical components of herbicides (Ajzen 97). This results in the production of genetically modified sugar products. GM sugar is approved for public consumption in Canada, the European Union Philippines, Mexico, Australia, Korea, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Colombia, and the United States (Toke 15).
- Vegetable Oil
Margarine, shortening and cooking oil can be derived from genetically modified crops. The crops mainly used to produce vegetable oil are soybeans, corn and canola. Genetic engineering is done on these crops to increase their productivity and also their resistance to herbicides.
- Vegetables and Fruits
When it comes to genetic modification of vegetables and fruits, one crop stands out: papaya. This crop has been genetically engineered to increase its resistance to viral attack called ringspot. Genetic modification on papaya begun in the early 90s, and studies show that were it not for genetic engineering, papayas would not be growing in most parts of the world (Hallman and Metcalfe 89). This is because in their original genetic configuration, papayas were highly prone to attacks by the ringspot virus (Talbot 116)
. c) Benefits of GM foods to Consumers
A survey across the United Kingdom in December 2011 showed that over 63% of food products’ customers prefer genetically modified foods to natural foods, based on various factors (Nelson 322). A key factor highlighted in this study was that genetically modified foods contained more nutrients than natural foods. This argument is based on the knowledge that genetic engineering in most foods is done to increase their nutritional content (Roller and Harlander 30). As a result, the end consumer gets more nutrients from eating GM foods than when they consume natural food. The increased nutritional value in GM foods is significantly essential in most third world countries that record high cases of malnutrition (Green 11).
The study by Nelson also identified the ease of consumption of GM foods as giving these foods an advantage over natural foods (323). The genetic engineering done on GM crops does not only result in rapid growth but also decreases the amount of time the food takes to cook. This is beneficial to the consumer especially since global statistics indicate that a majority of employed people are working for longer hours, and so they have less time to spend on household activities such as cooking.
Genetically modified foods are also beneficial since they help boost the world’s food supply. In some countries such as the United States, GM foods was the most effective method of ensuring there is enough food production for the increasing population. GM crops increase food supply since they have shorter maturation and ripening periods. For example while it might take natural crop A one year to produce consumable food, it would take GM crop A four months to produce the same food. As a result, by the end of one year, there would be one produce of the natural food A and three produces of GM food A. Consequently, the food supply would have tripled and hence the country where the crops are grown is able to sustain its population.
In most cases, genetic engineering of crops reduces the need for herbicides during their cultivation. As a result, GM foods are beneficial to the consumer since they have less pesticide levels. Presence of pesticides in food products increases the risk of the consumer suffering from cancer related diseases (Ajzen 105).
Also, since GM crops require minimal use of pesticides during their cultivation, this reduces soil pollution that was previously experienced when natural plants were frequently sprayed with pesticides. It is essential to note that oil pollution by pesticides in most instances causes pollution of nearby water bodies when the pesticides are washed off into a water body by rain water. d) Health concerns about GM foods
There have been several health concerns about the risks consumers are exposed to when they consume GM foods. According to one study, pollen grains from genetically modified corn were sprinkled on a Milwaukee weed, pests, mainly caterpillars, which fed on the weed’s leaves, died or displayed stunted growth (Talbot 54). This is just one of the many studies that seek to show some of the dangers that the public is exposed to when they consume genetically modified foods. In another example, in 1989, several people in America lost their lives and many others were physically impaired after consuming a genetically modified type of L-tryptophan (Aldrich and Blisard 6). It is necessary to point out that though the company responsible for this incident compensated the consumers and attributed this incident to a technical fault, it is common knowledge that no amount of compensation can repay a lost life or function of the human body.
Another health concern is on the risk of allergic reactions when some members of the public consume genetically modified foods. This argument is supported by the knowledge that transgenesis may introduce a non-native allergen into a natural crop. As a result, a consumer who was not allergic to natural food A may suffer an allergic reaction after consuming a genetic modification of food A. This is a key health concern especially since some allergic reactions may have fatal consequences. For example, in 1996, a GM food producer added genes from Brazil nuts into soybeans (Persley and Siedow 5). As a result, some of the consumers who bought the soybeans and are allergic to this species of nuts had an allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. This kind of shock may result in death of an anti-allergen is not administered quickly. e) Types of GM foods sold in the U.S.
Genetically modified foods are widely sold in the United States. Statistics show that more than 60% of the food on sale in stores is derived from genetically engineered crops. The main typed of GM foods sold in the United States include sugar, vegetable oil, corn, fruits, rice and soybeans. f) Future of GM foods
Genetically modified foods are facing increased opposition as studies continue showing the negative impact of consuming these foods. Most critics of GM foods point out that there is enough food supply in the world for its population; however, this is impeded by political and distribution factors. These critics argue that it is these factors that should be dealt with and not the introduction of genetically engineered foods. Despite this criticism, research and production of genetically modified foods is bound to increase globally. This is because the companies and countries that grow these foods dominate and control the global economy. As a result, these economic giants are able to push and ensure the successful implementation of any agenda they advance.
Works Cited
Nelson, P. “Information and Consumer Behavior.” Journal of Political Economy 78 (2010): 311-329. Print.
Hallman, K. and J. Metcalfe. “Public Perceptions of Agricultural Biotechnology: A Survey of Jersey Residents.” Ecosystem Policy Research Center. London: Rutgers, 2008. Print.
Aldrich, L. and N. Blisard. “Consumer Acceptance of Biotechnology: Lessons from the rbST Experience. Current Issues in Economics of Food Markets.” December Bulletin 747.01 (2008). Print.
Ajzen, I. Attitudes, personality and behavior. Berkshire: Open University Press, 2005. Print.
International Food Information Council. Background on Food Biotechnology. London: Routledge, 2004. Print.
Persley, G.J. and J. Siedow. “Application of Biotechnology to Crops: Benefits and Risks.” Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. 12 (2001). Print.
Roller, S. and S. Harlander. “Genetic Modification in the Food Industry: A Strategy for Food Quality Improvement.” Blackie Academic & Professional. 28 (1998): 27-39. Print.
Toke, Dave. The Politics of GM Food: A Comparative Study of the UK, USA and EU. New York: Routledge, 2007. Print.
Talbot, Marianne. Bioethics: An Introduction. London: Cambridge University Press, 2012. Print.
Green, Jen. GM Foods. London: Franklin Watt, 2007. Print.
