Some questions on genetically modified foods

1.    What are genetically modified (GM) organisms and GM foods?

Like humans, all organisms have genetic material. When scientists alter genetic material, or DNA, it's called genetic modification (GM). So genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, sometimes also “genetic engineering”. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non-related species.

Such methods are used to create GM plants – which are then used to grow GM food crops.

1.      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. Genetically modified foods or food crops can enhance taste and quality, increase nutrients or improve resistance to pests and disease. In some cases, GM foods help conserve natural resources, because the altered version might require less water or energy for processing.

The initial objective for developing plants based on GM organisms was to improve crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases. So GM crops are insect resistant, virus resistant and herbicide tolerant.

2.      What was the first genetically modified food?

The first genetically modified food to reach our tables was the FlavrSavr tomato. Grown in California, the FlavrSavr tomato received Food and Drug Administration approval in 1994, after two years of testing and assessment. Mounting costs made the crop unprofitable, however, and production ceased in 1997. Creation of the FlavrSavr opened the doors for other GM foods to make their way into our kitchens.

3.       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 on a case-by-case basis and that it is not possible to make general statements on the safety of all GM foods.

GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. In addition, no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved. Although nobody can yet predict the effect of genetically modified food on people`s health in long perspective.

4.       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 focus primarily on assessment of risks for consumer health. Countries which have provisions for GM foods usually also regulate GMOs in general, taking into account health and environmental risks, as well as control- and trade-related issues (such as potential testing and labelling regimes). In view of the dynamics of the debate on GM foods, legislation is likely to continue to evolve.

5.      In what countries are GM crops grown?

Although most GM crops are grown in North America, in recent years there has been rapid growth in the area sown in developing countries^. In 2010, countries that grew the most transgenic crops were the United States (45%), Brazil (17%), Argentina (15%), India (6%), Canada (6%), China (2%), Paraguay (2%), Pakistan (2%), South Africa (1%) and Uruguay (1%).It was estimated in 2003 that 75% of all processed foods in the U.S. contain a GM ingredient.

6.      Why is GMF considered to be a controversial problem?

While it is evident that there is a food supply issue, the question is whether GM can solve world hunger problems, or even if that would be the best way to address the issue. Several scientists argue that in order to meet the demand for food in the developing world, a second Green Revolution with increased use of GM crops is needed. Others argue that there is more than enough food in the world and that the hunger crisis is caused by problems in food distribution and politics, not production. 

“Genetic modification is analogous to nuclear power: nobody loves it, but climate change has made its adoption imperative,” says economist Paul Collier of Oxford University. "Declining genetic modification makes a complicated issue more complex. Genetic modification offers both faster crop adaptation and a biological, rather than chemical, approach to yield increases."

On the other hand, many believe that GM food has not been a success and that we should devote our efforts and money into another solution.