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Learn about the definition, production, assessment, regulation and trade of GM foods from WHO's perspective. Find out the main concerns and debates on GM foods for human health and environment.
- What are genetically modified (GM) organisms and GM foods?Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has...
- Why are GM foods produced?GM foods are developed – and marketed – because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. This is meant...
- Is the safety of GM foods assessed differently from conventional foods?Generally consumers consider that conventional foods (that have an established record of safe consumption over the history) are safe. Whenever nove...
- How is a safety assessment of GM food conducted?The safety assessment of GM foods generally focuses on: (a) direct health effects (toxicity), (b) potential to provoke allergic reaction (allergeni...
- What are the main issues of concern for human health?While theoretical discussions have covered a broad range of aspects, the three main issues debated are the potentials to provoke allergic reaction...
- How is a risk assessment for the environment performed?Environmental risk assessments cover both the GMO concerned and the potential receiving environment. The assessment process includes evaluation of...
- What are the issues of concern for the environment?Issues of concern include: the capability of the GMO to escape and potentially introduce the engineered genes into wild populations; the persistenc...
- Are GM foods safe?Different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different ways. This means that individual GM foods and their safety should be assessed...
- How are GM foods regulated nationally?The way governments have regulated GM foods varies. In some countries GM foods are not yet regulated. Countries which have legislation in place foc...
Genetically modified foods (GM foods), also known as genetically engineered foods (GE foods), or bioengineered foods are foods produced from organisms that have had changes introduced into their DNA using various methods of genetic engineering.
Nov 30, 2022 · Learn what genetically modified foods (GM foods) are, why they are made, and how they are regulated in the U.S. Find out how to identify GM foods on product labels and what health effects they may have.
- Allergic Reactions
- Cancer
- Antibacterial Resistance
- Changes in Human DNA
- Toxicity For Body Organs
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There is a small risk that GMO foods can trigger an allergic reaction, but this will only happen if the genetic change triggers the production of an allergen. For instance, if scientists combine a gene from a Brazil nut with a soybean, there is a slight chanceTrusted Sourcethat a person with a nut allergy could have an allergic reaction to products...
There have been concerns that eating GMO foods can contribute to the development of cancerby raising levels of potentially carcinogenic substances in the body. The American Cancer SocietyTrusted Sourcestates there is no evidence that currently available GMO foods either increase or reduce the risk of cancer. While cancer rates have changedTrusted S...
Some GMOs contain changes that make them resistant to certain antibiotics. In theory, the genes from these plants could enter humans or animals when they eat them. As a result, the person or animal could also develop antibiotic resistance. The likelihood of this happening is very small, but the WHOTrusted Sourceand other health authorities have gui...
In older research from 2009Trusted Source, some food scientists noted that food DNA can survive as far as the gut, and there have been concerns that this could affect the immune system. Some people have also raised fears that eating GMO food could lead to genetic changes in humans. However, most of the DNA in food — whether GMO or not — either is d...
In older research from 2009Trusted Source, some researchers suggested that GMO foods might impact the liver, kidney, pancreas, and reproductive system. They did not have evidence to confirm this and called for further studies. The use of GMO crops may even reduceTrusted Sourcethe risk of toxicity from some substances, as farmers may be able to redu...
Learn how genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can improve taste, nutritional content, and resilience of plants, but also raise concerns over safety and environmental impact. Find out how to identify GMO foods and where to get non-GMO alternatives.
Learn about the types, uses, and safety of GMO crops in the United States, including corn, soy, cotton, potatoes, and more. Find out how GMOs affect food for animals and humans, and how to identify bioengineered foods.
Dec 19, 2012 · Some of the foods that are available in the market include cotton, soybean, canola, potatoes, eggplant, strawberries, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, cantaloupe, carrots etc. GM products which are currently in the pipeline include medicines and vaccines, foods and food ingredients, feeds and fibres.
Apr 19, 2023 · “GMO” (genetically modified organism) has become the common term consumers and popular media use to describe foods that have been created through genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is a...
