GMOs
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
Although we have been consuming foods with modified plant DNA for years, the topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is very controversial. As a matter of fact, it has been estimated that genetic modification of food has been practiced for over 8,000 years.
The Native Americans have cross-fertilized corn plants, and thousands of hybrid plants have been created by cross pollination.
Watermelon and oranges have been genetically modified to have their seeds removed, and other everyday foods that we consume today like flax, corn, potato, canola and soybean oil, tomatoes, sugar beets and squash have all been genetically modified.
Genetic modification is facilitated through the transfer of genes between organisms. Through this transfer of genes, food can me modified to:
1. Improve traits
Tomatoes have been modified to contain 10x the amount of lycopene, a bright red pigment and phytochemical that has been considered a potential agent for the prevention of some types of cancers, particularly prostate cancer.
Rice has been altered to be rich in beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant.
2. Transfer disease-resistant genes from one plant to another
Certain varieties of corn, cotton seed oil and hawaiian papaya have been altered to be more resistant to pests and diseases.
3. Modify colours of vegetables and fruits
Some carrots have been modified to be dark red.
4. Be more commercial
Salmon has been modified to grow to market weight in 18 months rather than 24-30 months.
In addition to foods, animals have been genetically modified as well. Hens have been modified to lay more eggs, cattle to have leaner muscle, and pigs to produce less smelly foods and gas.
Public concern prevents most of the possible genetic modification of animals to be approved.
Consuming modified DNA s is considered safe by the FDA. Over 60% of processed foods contain genetically modified ingredients, and over 80% of soybeans and 30% of corn in the USA are from genetically modified seeds.
The future of GMOs is highly debatable. The slippery slide that is the alteration of crops and animals, the livelihood of small farms, and the fact that this modification benefits the producers more than the consumer are just some of the issues related to genetically altering the DNA of organisms.
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Food for thought.
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Works consulted
Brown, J. (2008) Nutrition Now. CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
Notes
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