It is estimated that approximately 70 percent of processed
foods contain at least one genetically modified ingredient (University of Utah,
n.d.). Genetically modified organisms
(GMOs) are defined as organisms which have been genetically altered in a way
not occurring in nature; foods produced from or that include GMOs are referred
to as GM foods (World Health Organization [WHO], n.d.). Although GMOs are designed to improve crop protection,
which has the potential to lower food cost and increase nutritional value, they
still remain controversial.
The majority of GM foods, which include corn, canola,
soybean, and cotton, are utilized to make ingredients destined for food
products. These include cornstarch, corn
syrup, cottonseed oil, canola oil, and soybean products (U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, 2014). The fact that
these GM foods are consumed by humans creates controversy regarding the safety
of these GMOs and the GM foods produced.
According to the WHO (n.d.), opponents of GM foods cite three reasons
for concern.
Allergenicity – opponents claim that allergic reactions are
increased through GM foods; however, WHO (n.d.), along with Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations research, has found no allergic effects
related to current GM foods marketed for human consumption.
Gene Transfer – many feel these modified genes may have adverse
effects on human health, especially within cells and the gastrointestinal
track. According to WHO (n.d.), no
harmful gene transfer or adverse effects have been identified or related to GM
foods.
Outcrossing –
out-crossing occurs when the genes from the GM plants migrate into conventional crops
or related species in the wild (WHO, n.d.).
To address this concern, several countries have adopted strategies to
reduce mixing of GM products intended for animal consumption with those products
intended only for human consumption (WHO, n.d.).
Although the U.S. currently has no laws requiring companies to
label products that contain GM ingredients, consumers must realize that GM
foods undergo testing that is often more stringent than that for traditional foods
(WHO, n.d.). Furthermore, any
genetically engineered plants that are intended to be grown in the US must be evaluated
through a FDA process and questions concerning safety must be resolved prior to
products containing the plants being marketed (FDA, 2014).
Future predictions are more GMOs and GM foods will be
developed for use in products consumed by humans. These crops and foods are
designed to help meet the need for feeding the growing global population more
effectively, economically, and nutritiously.
Consumers must become more informed and educated about the use of GMOs
and GM foods in order to make responsible and personal decisions in regards to
their consumption of these foods.
References
United States Food and Drug Administration (2014). Questions and answers on foods from
genetically engineered plants. Retrieved
from http://www.fda.gov/food/foodscienceresearch/biotechnology/ucm346030.htm
University of Utah Health Sciences (n.d.). Genetically modified foods. Retrieved from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/science/gmfoods/
World Health Organization (n.d.). Frequently asked question on genetically
modified foods. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-technology/faq-genetically-modified-food/en/#
GMOs will always be an issue. I like how there are two camps out there that say GMOs are bad for you because they cause X, Y, and Z and then the other party that says there is nothing that says GMOs are not bad for you. Reading your blog made me want to go out and investigate what other products are GMOs as well as go out and investigate in the literature what are the outcomes of GMO consumption.
ReplyDeleteHello Julie, I have heard about the issues with GMOs, but there has been little proof about the side effects that GMOs have on humans. Although I feel this way, I do agree that we need to sop adding unnatural components to our foods because we do not know the long-term side effects. So, I thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteMonique
Good post. Foods that contain GMOs have recently been a hot topic. I personally disagree with companies that do not label products containing GMOs. I believe we have the right to know what we are consuming. I also agree with Monique about not knowing the long-term side effects.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
ReplyDeleteGreat topic! I find it rather interesting that the top GMO foods are those that are most pervasive in the American diets. I don't really have an opinion on either side, I believe the "jury is still out" to some extent, although I am certainly not an expert in the matter. I also wonder about the average food literacy of adults. Do you think the average American understands what a GM food is and that the alternatives are few and far between? This may be a silly or simplified question, but I also wonder about the connection to animal hormones and antibiotics for growth in addition to disease control. Are all of these topics connected, or just different topics and the only commonality is food? Thanks for your information, it's always very thorough and easy to understand.
De'An Roper