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- There is no validated evidence that foods made from GMOs are less healthy than non-GMO foods. No evidence has validated that eating food with GMO ingredients is harmful. A genetically modified organism (GMO) or a genetically engineered organism is an organism whose genes have been changed with biotechnology rather than selective breeding.
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What are genetically modified organisms and GM foods?
Are GMO crops genetically engineered?
What are genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
Jun 4, 2019 · The short answer is 'yes.' Share: FULL STORY. Jonathon McPhetres, a newly minted PhD in psychology from the University of Rochester, admits he's "personally amazed" what we can do with genes,...
May 17, 2016 · The authors picked through hundreds of research papers to make generalizations about GE varieties already in commercial production: There is "reasonable evidence that animals were not harmed by eating food derived from GE crops," and epidemiological data shows no increase in cancer or any other health problems as a result of these crops ...
May 1, 2014 · Generally consumers consider that conventional foods (that have an established record of safe consumption over the history) are safe. Whenever novel varieties of organisms for food use are developed using the traditional breeding methods that had existed before the introduction of gene technology, some of the characteristics of organisms may be altered, either in a positive or a negative way.
- 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...
- 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...
May 24, 2019 · The short answer is "yes." (Getty Images photo) Jonathon McPhetres, a newly minted PhD in psychology from the University of Rochester, admits he’s “personally amazed” what we can do with genes, specifically genetically modified food—such as saving papayas from extinction.
- Overview
- What are GMOs?
- Advantages of GMO foods
- Is GMO food unhealthy?
- What are examples of GMO foods?
- The bottom line
Although most notable organizations and research suggest that GMO foods are safe and sustainable, some people claim they may harm your health and the environment.
GMOs, short for genetically modified organisms, are subject to a lot of controversy.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), GMO seeds are used to plant over 90% of all maize (corn), cotton, and soy grown in the United States, which means that many of the foods you eat likely contain GMOs.
This article helps explain what GMOs are, provides a balanced explanation of their pros and cons, and gives guidance on how to identify GMO foods.
“GMO,” which stands for genetically modified organism, refers to any organism whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering technology.
In the food industry, GMO crops have had genes added to them for various reasons, such as improving:
•their growth
•nutritional content
•sustainability
•pest resistance
GMO foods may offer advantages to the grower and consumer. These can include:
•Pest control: Many GMO crops have been genetically modified to express a gene that protects them against pests and insects. The Bt gene is commonly genetically engineered into crops like corn, cotton, and soybeans. It comes from a naturally occurring bacteria known as Bacillus thuringiensis. This gene produces a toxic protein to several pests and insects, which gives the GMO plants a natural resistance. As such, GMO crops don’t need to be exposed to harmful pesticides as often.
•Fewer pesticides: A 2020 study notes that GMO technology has reduced global chemical pesticide use by 8.3% and indirectly reduced greenhouse gas emissions because farmers don’t need to spray their fields as often.
•Improved survival and greater yield: Other GMO crops have been modified with genes that help them survive stressful conditions, such as droughts, and resist diseases like blight, resulting in a higher yield for farmers.
•Increased nutritional value: Genetic modification can increase the nutritional value of foods. For example, rice high in beta carotene, also called golden rice, was developed to help prevent blindness in regions where local diets are chronically deficient in vitamin A.
•Enhanced flavor: Genetic modification can enhance the flavor and appearance of foods, such as the non-browning apple.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and USDA maintain that GMOs are safe for human and animal consumption.
While GMO crops make farming much easier, there is some concern about their potential effect on the environment and their safety for human consumption, particularly surrounding illnesses and allergies.
Some of the potential concerns around GMO consumption include:
•Allergies: Because GMO foods contain foreign genes, some people worry that they harbor genes from foods that may prompt an allergic reaction. According to the FDA, researchers who develop GMO foods run tests to ensure that allergens aren’t transferred from one food to another. Research suggests GMO foods are no likelier to trigger allergies than their non-GMO counterparts.
•Cancer: Because cancers are caused by DNA mutations, some people fear that eating foods with added genes may affect your DNA. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has stated that there’s no evidence to link GMO food intake to an increased or decreased risk of cancer, and there is no evidence that eating GMOs will change your DNA. However, more long-term human research is still needed.
•Herbicide use: Most GMO crops are resistant to herbicides, such as Roundup, so farmers may use herbicides to kill surrounding weeds without damage to their crops. But Roundup and its active ingredient glyphosate are subject to controversy because animal and test-tube studies have linked them to various diseases. There is new evidence that glyphosate exposure may increase the relative risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma by 41%.
Although GMO foods appear safe for consumption, some people wish to avoid them. Still, this is difficult since most foods in your supermarket are made with ingredients from GMO crops.
GMO crops grown and sold in the United States include:
•corn
•soybean
•canola
•sugar beet
GMOs are foods that have been modified using genetic techniques.
Most foods in your local supermarket contain GMO ingredients because they’re easier and more cost-effective for farmers, which makes them cheaper for the consumer.
In the United States, foods grown using GMO techniques include corn, soybean, canola, sugar beet, alfalfa, cotton, potatoes, papaya, pink pineapple, summer squash, and a few varieties of apples.
Although current research suggests that GMO foods are safe for consumption, some people are concerned about their potential health effects. Due to a lack of long-term human studies, more research is needed.
May 2, 2022 · finding. False. There is no validated evidence that foods made from GMOs are less healthy than non-GMO foods. No evidence has validated that eating food with GMO ingredients is harmful.
Mar 30, 2015 · It is very likely that you have eaten food made with genetically modified plants in your lifetime. However, some people debate the safety of the different ways farmers and scientists make genetically modified plants. So let's take a brief look at the science behind GMOs.
