Genetically Modified Foods - What the Consumer Needs to Know

What is food biotechnology? A: The application of biological research techniques to the development of foods that improve human health, animal health, and agriculture.www.genecor.com/wt/gcor/glossary

What are genetically engineered foods? A: Foods produced from Genetically Modified Organisms that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering.

What are the potential benefits of genetically modified foods (GMF) overall? A: Medicinal foods that could be used as vaccines/medicines, foods with more desirable traits, faster growing plants, increase in food supply with reduced cost and longer shelf life, decreased use of pesticides, Disease and drought resistant plants, tastier foods, more nutritious food. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002432.htm

What are the potential risks of GMF overall? A: GMF may have genetic changes that are unexpected and harmful, Modified organisms may interbreed with natural organisms and out-compete them, this would lead to extinction of the original organism or to other unpredictable environmental effects, plants may be resistant to some pests but not to others. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002432.htm

Genetically Modified Foods: Consumer advocate perspective

What should the consumer know about genetically engineered foods? A: They can have harmful effects on the body (read risks below).

What are the benefits of genetically engineered foods from the consumer's perspective? A: The two most beneficial things about GMF are that they make healthful foods even more nutritious and they reduce the need for toxic chemicals. Tomatoes are being made to produce more lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce cancer risk. Beans are being made to produce less gas. Soybeans are being produced with higher levels of isoflavones, substances that can help lower heart disease risk. GMF are being created to fight off bugs without having to spray pesticides that may cause harm to the environment. http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/diet.fitness/01/13/biotech.food.one.wmd/index.html

What are the risks of genetically engineered foods from the consumer's perspective? The main problem with genetically modified foods is that they are often recalled, and can be unsafe for human health. A type of genetically modified corn that wasn't approved for human consumption was found in taco bell taco shells. The product was tested and could cause allergies in the consumer of the product. http://archives.cnn.com/2000/FOOD/news/10/13/taco.recall.ap/index.html

Do these benefits outweigh the risks and why? A: No, Genetically modified foods can cause harmful effects such as an allergic reaction. This would happen because in the genetic combining process, the manufacturers could add a protein to the food that can cause an allergic reaction that wouldn't be caused in the non-genetically modified version.

Should genetically engineered foods be labeled? A: Yes, GMF should be labeled because it is the consumer's choice if they wish to eat GMF. GMF can cause possible harm so the consumer should be aware of that. A new law passed by congress will require foods to be labeled as of the summer of 2008.