What is a GMO?
A genetically modified organism,
GMO, is created when genes from one species are inserted into the DNA of
another species to obtain a desired trait. GMOs are transgenic organisms that
could not have been created through traditional crossbreeding.
How is genetic
engineering accomplished?
·
Genetic engineers use bacteria or viruses to
infect the targeted cell with the DNA of choice.
·
Engineers coat the DNA, which contain genes on
pellets, and shoot the DNA into the targeted cells using a particle gun.
·
If the introduced “new” genes have stuck to the
targeted cells’ DNA, the new cell can be injected via tissue-culture techniques
to grow-creating a GMO.
Which foods are
genetically modified?
Currently in the U.S., 95% of food
is genetically engineered with 93% of soybeans, 86% of corn, and 93% of cotton
as the top GM crops. Other GM crops include sugar beets, canola, papaya,
squash, and zucchini. Foods that may be genetically engineered include meats,
eggs, dairy, and food additives. Processed foods, such as frozen dinner, ice
cream, cereal, canned soups, and baby formula, are also made of GMOs. Unless a
product is labeled as 100% organic or non-GMO, it is has been genetically
modified.
What is the biggest
advantage to the genetic engineering of foods?
GE foods
use fewer resources and grow faster. By producing cheap crop at a fast rate, it
is thought the genetic engineering of foods will help diminish world hunger.
Are genetically modified foods safe?
Safety concerns regarding GE
foods have not been proven. In addition, the FDA does not require a law for
labeling or safety tests. Regardless of lack of proof, it has not been
scientifically proven whether or not GE foods have long-term allergenic or
toxic effects on humans.
How do you know which
foods are genetically modified?
Foods
labeled “GM-free”, “no-GMO”, or “100% organic/USDA organic” have not been genetically
engineered. It is important not to confuse “organic” with “100% or USDA
organic” because certain organic foods do contain GMOs. When purchasing meat or
dairy, unless labeled “GM-free”, it contains GMOs due to the GM crops fed to
the cows or other animals producing the product.
For a list of engineered foods allowed on the market, please
visit:
http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/science_and_impacts/science/engineered-foods-allowed-on.html
Resources:
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/nutrition/genetically-modified-foods
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18989835
First, I was surprised that 93% of soybeans, 86% of corn, and 93% of cotton are genetically engineered. We usually believe that the things like sugar beets, canola, papaya, squash, and zucchini are healthy for our body. And also, I did not know that the baby formula is also genetically modified food. I have always thought it is better to avoid genetically engineered food for health since the safety concerns regarding GE food have not been proved as it is written above. However, I didn't realized how much GE food I took daily. GE foods are so common and become a part of our necessary food resources. Therefore, the more people eat GE food, the better methods to prove the safety of them should be developed.
ReplyDeleteIt is really interesting that 95% of the food is genetically modified. Even though there might not be known side effects for genetically engineered food, it is important to consumer natural food. Organic food is good for you because it is made from pure natural ingredients, and natural has to be more beneficial than altered food. In addition, the fact that genetically engineered food is not labeled, which means that many people are not aware of what they are consuming. The products that are not engineered are labeled as GM-free or no-GMO, which means that consumers have to look for those 5% products that are not genetically altered and labeled.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to learn that foods such as squash, zucchini, and even papaya's are genetically engineered foods. One would think that because they are not packaged they might be natural. I understand that there are risks to GM foods, but with the growing rate of human beings on this earth, in order for everyone to survive, GM foods is probably the best option to provide more food. If foods were to start getting labeled as GM products, many companies would be affected because their profits would definitely decrease. Knowing that fact though, many people do not understand that 95% of the food is genetically engineered so there is only so much that people can escape. I definitely think that if specific allergies are being found through GM foods, then those should be labeled very clearly.
ReplyDeleteIt's really interesting to see that the majority of our foods today are genetically engineered. I think something that really stuck during your presentation on Monday was the ethical issue of what's better for the population, fast/cheap food or nutritional food. Basically, which of the two would be better for the world? And I agree, if we are considering world happiness then yes, genetically engineered food would be the way to go. If we are considering families at home who can afford organic food then yes, buy the organic food. However, is that something that may cause more issues? Maybe not providing equal opportunity for great health worldwide?
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that I have a very higher chance of eating genetically modified food. The fact that 95% of the food in U.S is genetically engineered means we might have consumed only genetically modified food. I think that the government should seek a way to produce more natural food unless they find any better way to prove the safety of GM foods. Also, GM-free foods should be labled more cleary since they can be confused with other organic food that contatin GMOs.
ReplyDeleteI do not necessarily agree with your safety section. I'm sure that if there was something immediately And apparently wrong with GM foods, they would not be on the market. In addition, if the foods have been on the market since 1994, I'm sure that people on both sides of the fence, for and against GM foods have done plenty of research into their safety. Is there any apparent dangers from consuming GM foods, or are people just resistant to the idea of scientists messing with nature?
ReplyDelete