Transgenic foods: functions and potential risks

Transgenic foods, also called genetically modified (GM) foods, are those created by combining genes from different organisms through recombinant DNA technology.

This is frequently applied mainly to fruit and vegetable crops, which undergo modifications when it comes to growth, resistance, size, taste, and dietary values. This technology is now seen as a key tool for addressing global food problems.

Nonetheless, these foods haven’t been without controversy and concern. While some highlight their potential advantages, others query their safety for human health and the environment. So, what should you recognize about them? We’ll let you know more in regards to the functions and possible risks of transgenic foods in this text.

Transgenic foods: What are they and what are their functions?

Transgenic foods contain a DNA alteration of their composition to attain certain preconceived characteristics. Through genetic engineering, scientists transfer a gene from one organism to a different to present it qualities that it doesn’t have under normal conditions.

In line with a review within the Journal of Food Science and Technology, the first time it was known that DNA may very well be transferred between organisms was in 1946. Subsequently, in 1983, the primary genetically modified plant was produced using an antibiotic-resistant tobacco plant.

In 1994, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a transgenic tomato variety, the modification of which helped delay ripening after harvesting. Since then, genetic engineering has continued to work on this area and today it’s applied to several food species.

In line with the above-mentioned source, among the transgenic foods which might be available in the marketplace include the next options:

• Soybeans
• Potatoes
• Canola
• Cotton
• Eggplant
• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Melon

Nonetheless, as a National Library of Medicine publication makes clear, the method by which transgenic foods are created differs from selective breeding. The latter involves the choice of plants or animals with the specified characteristics and their breeding; thus, an offspring with the specified traits is sought.

In contrast, by applying genetic engineering to food, it’s possible to pick out a selected gene to implant. This not only prevents the generation of undesired traits, but additionally facilitates the creation of foods with recent characteristics.

So far, transgenic foods approved by the FDA for human consumption are those of plant origin. There aren’t any genetically modified animals approved to be used as food.

The potential advantages of GM foods

For a very long time – and even up to the current day – alarmist ideas were spread in regards to the consumption of GM foods. The primary controversies surrounding their cultivation and consumption should do with their safety for human health and the environmental impact they generate.

And although that is a problem that continues to be debated, the truth is that in 25 years of business production, it hasn’t been possible to prove that they’re dangerous for our health. Quite the opposite, advances in biotechnology on this area have even led to some advantages which might be now recognized.

A publication within the journal Nature highlights that the advantages of genetic engineering in agriculture include the next:

• Increased food security
• Increased crop yields
• A reduced need for pesticide use
• Medical advantages for the world’s growing population
• Increased crop resistance to pests and diseases
• A reduced costs in food and drug production
• Improvements within the dietary composition and quality of some foods

As well as, advances have been made in the event of crops that mature faster and tolerate aluminum, boron, salt, and environmental conditions corresponding to drought and frost. In other words, genetic engineering is playing a crucial role in solving the conditions that impede crop growth.

Other advantages value mentioning are the next:

• Foods which might be more attractive to consumers. It’s because they’re less more likely to turn brown or bruise.
• Improved flavor.
• Increased shelf life and thus decreased waste.

The potential risks of GM foods

Talking in regards to the potential risks of GM foods is usually controversial. The reality of the matter is that opinions are quite divided and each proponents and opponents have their very own arguments. Let’s take a have a look at what this discussion is about.

The primary concerns about genetically modified organisms should do with how they affect the buyer and the way they impact the environment. The truth is, along with this, there are economic and social consequences.

Through a publication from Science In The Newsof Harvard University, it’s explained that dietary differences, allergic responses, possible toxicity, or gene transfer are the explanation why it’s believed that they could cause a negative impact on human health.

In line with the document, these concerns have been discussed in greater than 100 research studies during which the results of conventional foods have been compared with genetically modified foods.

And although the outcomes are mixed and have been taken into consideration within the regulation of those foods, health entities corresponding to the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization have concluded that GMOs are secure for consumers.

But what are these potential risks? Why a lot controversy with their presence available in the market? We’ll answer these questions below.

Allergic reactions

There’s a small probability that GM foods may cause allergic reactions if the genetic change triggers the production of an allergen. On this regard, a publication in National Center for Biotechnology Information notes the next:

To exemplify, this could occur if engineers mix a gene from a Brazil nut with one from soybeans. In that case, an individual with a nut allergy may experience an allergy when eating products made with the genetically modified soybean.

Nonetheless, as an article in Harvard University’s Science In The News explains, that is like several allergy; if the allergic person is exposed to the allergen, he or she is going to have an allergic response.

Even so, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are subject to strict regulation in an attempt to cut back these risks. Thus, not only are crops monitored, but firms are required to specify on labels whether a product has GMO derivatives.

Cancer risk

As detailed in a review shared via Current Oncology, there are animal studies suggesting that the consumption of GM foods is causally linked to carcinogenesis. One of the arguments is that avoiding GMOs in a single’s food plan prevents the event of cancer.

Nonetheless, there’s not enough scientific evidence to substantiate this. Quite the opposite, this same publication, in addition to entities corresponding to Cancer Research UK indicate that there aren’t any studies that prove that genetically modified foods cause cancer in humans.

There aren’t any good explanations as to how these foods can result in cancer. Relating to avoiding this disease, dietary recommendations include prioritizing the consumption of nutritious, fresh foods and limiting the quantity of ultra-processed foods you devour.

Risk of toxicity

In 2009, animal research shared through Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition associated the consumption of GMOs with an increased risk of liver, pancreatic, renal, and reproductive toxic effects. Nonetheless, to this point, these effects haven’t been proven in humans.

Alternatively, advances in genetic engineering have reduced the chance of toxicity of some substances, since they have reduced the necessity for farmers to make use of aggressive pesticides and herbicides.

Resistance to antibiotics

This is probably probably the most debated effects of transgenic foods. Some GMOs have alterations that render plants proof against antibiotics. Hence, it’s hypothesized that their consumption in each humans and animals may result in resistance.

On this regard, a report shared through the Academics Review noted that the likelihood of such effects may be very low. Regarding this, it stated the next:

Nonetheless, there are those that imagine that this minimal resistance shouldn’t be underestimated. In an opinion piece shared in Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, Tore Midtvedt argues:

What’s the impact of GM foods on the environment?

The impact of GM foods on the environment varies depending on the local conditions of the growing area. As with their effects on health, there are pros and cons which might be debated and studied.

Potential advantages

The advancement of genetic engineering continues to progress and with it its contributions to reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. In a comprehensive report shared by PG Economics, agricultural economist Graham Brookes highlights the economic and environmental advantages of genetically modified crops.

Collecting data from 1996 to 2020, the paper highlights the next environmental advantages:

• Decreased greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. This enables farmers to adopt more sustainable farming practices. It’s estimated that in 2020, transgenics avoided the emission of 23.6 billion kilograms of carbon dioxide.
• Reducing the necessity for the appliance of phytosanitary products. It’s estimated that farmers have minimized the environmental impact related to crop protection practices by as much as 17.3%. In other words, the necessity to use herbicides and pesticides has decreased.

As well as, lots of these crops are easier to move and store. Since their characteristics have been improved, they even have an extended shelf life and due to this fact generate less waste.

The appliance of genetic engineering in food is promising within the fight against climate change and weather phenomena which might be affecting crops and production.

Disadvantages

A report shared by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the next environmental concerns about GM crops:

• Increased risk of cross-breeding; i.e., genes from genetically modified foods being passed on to other crops.
• Lack of biodiversity because of the reduction of other plant varieties.
• Increased use of chemicals in agricultural practices.
• Negative impact on wildlife.

Steadily asked questions and answers about genetically modified foods

Because of the massive amount of data that has been spread about genetically modified foods, there are a lot of doubts regarding their presence available in the market, their cultivation, their impact on health, and other issues. Below, we are going to briefly answer among the most frequent questions.

1. How can transgenic foods be identified?

In European Union countries, the regulation obliges producers to tell consumers if food is transgenic. This might be found on labels.

As well as, in america, the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard makes it mandatory since 2018 to label transgenic products with labels corresponding to “bioengineered derived” or “bioengineered”.

2. What are essentially the most common transgenic foods?

In countries corresponding to america, the primary transgenic products include the next options:

• Sugar beets
• Summer squash
• Cotton
• Apples
• Canola
• Soybeans
• Corn
• Potatoes
• Alfalfa
• Papaya

It’s value mentioning that lots of these are used as basic ingredients in other products, corresponding to corn syrup, cornstarch, vegetable oils, sauces and dressings, bakery products, and sugar derived from beets, amongst others.

3. Which transgenic foods must be avoided?

Despite being a really controversial topic, there is not any evidence at present that transgenic foods in the marketplace cause harm. Due to this fact, there are none that must be avoided. Before being marketed, they’re subjected to strict tests during which their safety is evaluated.

4. Are genetically modified foods an answer to world hunger?

One among the claims which have been made about genetically modified foods is that they will help solve the issue of world hunger; nevertheless, this concept is way from reality.

While it’s true that these crops have the potential to satisfy the massive consumer demand, and likewise contribute to satisfy some dietary needs, the trail to eradicate hunger is rather more complex.

A publication in Education, National Geographic Society, explains that GM foods should not a panacea against world hunger. The primary explanation for hunger is the unequal distribution of high-quality food among the many poorest communities.

Added to that is the undeniable fact that GMOs are controlled by the private sector. Through patents, large private firms have genetic engineering to their advantage, limiting access in truly poor areas.

5. What’s the difference between organic and GM foods?

The primary difference between organic and GM foods has to do with the tactic of cultivation. Organic foods use procedures classified as ‘ecological’, which use natural substances. In other words, using herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers is avoided.

They’re freed from antibiotics, hormones, heavy metal residues, artificial colours and flavors, and GMOs. They’re grown with practices and methods that conserve the soil and its nutrients; as well as, they make rational use of natural resources.

But even though it sounds pretty good, access to those is more complicated. First, it’s because they’re produced in smaller quantities, since they are less profitable and frequently present more difficulties related to pests and diseases. Alternatively, it’s because they have a tendency to be dearer in comparison with those grown industrially.

At this point, it must be noted that most natural foods don’t fall under the label of “organic”, precisely due to their industrial production, during which each chemicals and technology are used. Even so, they don’t use genetically modified seeds.

As identified in an article shared by the Health and Food Professionals Association, there aren’t any significant dietary or health differences between organic and traditional foods. For now, there’s no evidence that one is best than the opposite, neither in dietary values nor in taste.

Meanwhile, transgenic foods – as we’ve mentioned – encompass using genetically modified organisms with which higher dietary and organoleptic characteristics are sought. There isn’t any evidence that they cause harm to health; furthermore, their crops undergo a strict regulation process by government agencies and are subject to safety tests before being marketed.

What to recollect about transgenic foods

The appliance of genetic engineering in crops has increased plant resistance to environmental conditions that prior to now hindered their development. This has facilitated agricultural work to a certain extent. Not to say the advance of the physical and dietary characteristics of foodstuffs.

Even so, it’s a subject that generates controversy and divided opinions. While some praise their contributions to agriculture and nutrition, others fear that transgenic foods could have a negative impact on health and the environment. For now, most studies conclude that they’re secure for human consumption.

Nonetheless, their long-term health and environmental effects are still under investigation. It’s expected that advances in biotechnology will proceed to enable improvements in this sort of crop, each on the environmental, health, and socioeconomic levels.

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