Genetically Modified Food
Genetically modified foods are foods are that modified through the use of biotechnology. Here, the genetic material of a crop may be slightly altered from the way the crop grows naturally. This is done by altering individual plant (organism) genes or by inserting one set of genes into another organism. What this essentially means is the process alters an organism’s DNA using genetic engineering technology.
While the technology has been around for a while, genetically modified foods were first commercially available in the early 90s.
However, there is no universal law or standard applied to production or sale of genetically modified foods. Different countries have different laws and rules as to the use and consumption of genetically modified foods.
Genetically modified food benefits – Supporters of genetically engineered foods highlight the following benefits of GM crops and push these to fore for their more widespread use.
• Genetically modified foods are stronger and more resistant to damage caused by insects and plant destroying viruses. This reduces the quantities of crop lost every year, which in turn increases global food stock and decreases the burden on the farmer.
• Since genetically modified crops are able to withstand insects, pests and disease, the need for aggressive insecticides, pesticides and herbicides for them is immediately lowered. This makes the crop safer for consumption and also helps decrease environmental pollution.
• Genetically modified plants are also able to withstand fluctuating weather conditions much better than the conventional strains. So when freak storms may destroy crops, genetically modified variants may continue to grow despite the weather. This saves on wastage and, again, contributes to the food stock.
• Genetically modified crops can also be altered to have a higher nutritional value – for example, loading the produce with additional vitamins and antioxidants. So the food on offer is fresher, cleaner and more nutritious.
• Genetically modified food also enjoys a much longer shelf life. The food doesn’t rot and spoil as quickly. This is advantageous for everyone – the farmer, the vendor and the end user. It also reduces wastage.
• This method of genetically engineering crops also helps the farmer reduce crops and increase yield considerable.
The most common example of this is genetically modified cotton. This has changed the way cotton is farmed across the world.
The sum of all these points is that genetic modification allows for a more superior strain of crops. It allows for a greater share of crop to be harvested and as a result it means fewer empty stomachs. However the use of genetically modified foods continues to be a controversial one and several studies are being conducted to assert their absolute safety, or lack thereof.
The different uses of genetically modified food in food production – Genetically modified food can be used in a number of ways, some consciously, others might be present through genetically modified ingredients processed and marketed separately. Here is a small list of the common uses of genetically modified ingredients available in modern food production:
• When the crop is genetically modified and marketed as such. In such a case, you buy the produce knowing fully well that it is a GM crop.
• When the raw ingredients to finally processed item are genetically modified. For example, when genetically modified rice or corn is processed into flour. Or Canola or Soybean oil that is processed from genetically modified canola and soy. In such cases you may have to read the label to learn of the GM status of the product.
• When the GM product is used indirectly. For example as a binding agent for cheese or as animal feed.
List of genetically modified foods – Some common examples of genetically modified foods include corn, wheat, rice, squash, sugarcane, papaya, potato, peas, beets, honey, tobacco, canola, flax, soybean, cotton, pineapple and strawberries.
Gmo Foods ListGMO or genetically modified organisms are defined as organisms whose genetic material (DNA) is altered unnaturally. This technology is also referred to as “gene technology” or “modern biotechnology”. It is also sometimes known as “genetic engineering” or “recombinant DNA technology”. It allows the transfer of chosen individual genes from one organism to another and also between species that are non-related. In simple words, foods that are genetically modified are those whose DNA is changed with the help of genetic engineering. Examples of GM foods include food ingredients, foods, vaccines, feeds and fibers.
GM foods are considered to be advantageous by either the consumers or producers of such food and are therefore, developed and marketed. This could translate into products that are priced lower, with greater nutritional value and greater durability. GM, or genetically modified, food examples include corn and soybeans. These are the crops that are most widely grown. Rapeseed, cotton and potatoes are next on the list of foods that are genetically modified. Some other examples of genetically modified foods that have received approval to be commercially sold include papaya, potato, squash, tomato, corn and chicory (radicchio).
It is extremely difficult to provide a comprehensive list of genetically modified foods as most countries do not have any laws for crops that are genetically modified. As per a rough estimate, there are believed to be about 30,000 products that are genetically modified available in grocery stores. This is because a number of foods that are processed contain soy. Here is a detailed GMO foods list for your reference. • Genetically engineered rapeseed has resistance to particular pesticides and the improved cultivars of rapeseed are free of glucosinolates and erucic. The gluconsinolates that are found in rapeseed are toxic as a result of which the leftover meal from pressing was prevented from being used as animal feed.
• Honey is produced by crops that are genetically modified and therefore features on the list of GM foods. In some countries, honey is got from bees that have collected nectar form canola plants that are genetically modified.
• Cotton also features on the GMO foods list. This GM product has great resistance to certain pesticides. It is a GM food example as its oil is consumed. Cotton seed oil products include fried foods, snack foods, blended vegetable oils, baked foods, edible oil products and other small goods casings.
• Rice that is genetically modified contains vitamin A in high amounts. Certain countries are experimenting in cultivating rice that contains human genes. This rice is will be used to treat infant diarrhea, especially in developing countries.
• Soy bean that is genetically modified is resistant to herbicides. Soy bean products include soy beverages, soy flour, lecithin, and tofu. Some other products could include baked products, pastries, breads, fried products, snack foods, special purpose foods, and edible oil products.
• Sugarcane that is genetically engineered has a high resistance to certain pesticides. It is interesting to note that most of the sweeteners used in the preparation of processed foods are taken from corn and not from beets or sugar cane.
• Tomatoes also feature on the list of genetically modified crops. They are modified so as to be able to stay on the shelf longer. Tomatoes that are genetically modified prevent the production of a substance that leads them to degrade and rot.
• Corn also has high resistance to a number of pesticides. Corn flour, corn oil, syrup or sugars are products that are genetically modified. This list may also include baked goods, snack foods, fried foods, confectionery, special purpose foods, soft drinks, and edible oil products.
• Sweet corn is genetically modified so as to produce insecticide of its own.
• Canola is genetically modified as well, and the main product is canola oil. The list may also include baked products, fried foods, and snack foods.
• Potatoes also appear on the list of genetically modified crops. This could include potato products that are processed, snack foods, and other foods that are processed and contain potatoes.
• Flax seeds and flax seed oil have excellent nutritional properties, and we find that a number of food products have flax oil. However, flax that is genetically modified is currently not grown.
• Papaya that is genetically engineered has an increased resistance to a virus called ringspot.
• Squash especially yellow crookneck and zucchini are also genetically modified.
• Red-hearted chicory that is genetically modified contains a gene that facilitates the making of hybrid cultivars. It is important to note that today there is no chicory that is genetically modified available in the market. • Certain tobacco products are genetically engineered to produce very low or in some case no nicotine.
• You will be surprised to know that meat features on the GM foods list. This is because animals are given GM feed.
• Vegetable oil is usually made from corn, soy, cottonseed, or canola are all genetically engineered, unless specified. There are a number of countries that grow genetically modified crops. However, there is a growing concern expressed about consuming foods that are genetically modified. The fear is that such foods may cause health problems in individuals and could also lead to the development of microorganisms that are harmful. Another growing concern about GM crops is that they might grow more vigorously as compared to other wild plants and crops. It is also believed that GM plants could on breeding with other plants produce uncontrollable “weed” species that have herbicide resistance. Foods that are genetically modified could cause changes in the soil’s microbial flora. This could lead to a depredation of the important microorganisms from the soil and in turn ruin the natural balance. Another concern is that foods that have antibiotic resistance and are made with the use of gene technology could give rise to a similar property in humans, thus causing a failure of treatments that are antibiotic-based. On the other hand, it is felt that by genetically engineering crops, it is possible to take care of the increasing world population. This can be done with an environmental cost that is reduced. Some benefits that can be got from genetically engineered foods include increased resistance to disease, improved yields, tolerance to herbicides, improved nutritional value, less chance of being damaged by insects, better climatic survival, and increased shelf life.
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