Genetically Engineered Food - A Genetics Article
 Genetically Modified Food - Genetically Altered Food

The Genetic Modification Debate - Advantages, Disadvantages and Risks of Genetically Engineered , Modified or Altered Foods

 Introduction to Genetic Engineering Technology

Genetic engineering is a technology involved in the intermixing of species of different kinds to produce a new species incorporating the desirable properties of its parents.

The origins of this technology date back to the simple efforts by indigenous farmers to cross breed different types of plants and animals to obtain the best traits of each type. Thus the interbreeding of the horse and the donkey gave birth to the mule, a more sturdy and labor intensive animal.

Nature, in its evolution of the species has used the basic principle of genetic engineering over the ages. Hence the efforts by mankind could simply be considered an acceleration of the process of evolution in certain desired directions.

With the advancement of science and research techniques, genetic engineering has become capital intensive and the sole domain of high tech laboratories and corporate research facilities. However this technology is still in its infancy and expensive experimentation continues .

Some applications of Genetic Engineering technology are in the search for cures of deadly diseases like aids and cancer and the use of stem cell technology for healing. Others are more controversial, like the highly publicized issue of cloning of animals and humans . Another contentious application is in the genetic modification of foods  derived from plants and animals such as milk, soy, corn, potatoes, rice , cotton, canola and others.

The inherent requirement for accelerated development and rapid financial growth expedited the introduction of genetically altered foods, without adequate testing, into the market .

With the result that the public is consuming more than forty such unlabelled food items daily.

Some benefit  of genetically engineered foods are :

• Drastic reduction in the use of pesticides and chemicals.

• Reduction in environmental pollution due to less use of pesticides and chemicals.

• Ensures food availability for escalating world populations.

• Larger harvests are beneficial to farmers and consumers alike.

• The crops are healthier and richer.

Risks or disadvantages  associated with genetically engineered food / Genetically Altered Food are : 

Environmental Risks of Genetically Modified Foods and Plants

Such food plants could have far reaching affects on the environment by destroying the natural ecosystem , consequently killing off beneficial vegetation, insects and micro- organisms in the soil. This could result in:

• Development of new strains of plant viruses and insect pests.

• Reduction of plant resistance to disease.

• Reduction in plant ability to cope with environmental extremes.

• Poses extinction risks to natural plants.

Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods:

In laboratory testing with animals, genetically engineered foods have destroyed the immune system , resulted in stunted growth of vital organs, caused allergic reactions, resulted in death and disability. Hence it is reasonable to assume that such genetically altered foods will have a lot of adverse affects on humans which could take the following forms:

• Cause allergic reactions.

• Cause cancers and tumors.

• Create resistance to antibiotics.

• Cause birth defects.

• Result in creation of new pathogenic bacteria and viruses increasing risk of new diseases.

Social Risks of Genetic Modification of Foods and Plants:

• World food production will become concentrated with a few large corporations.

• Agriculture will become a 'high tech' field thereby eliminating small scale farming.

• The expensive technology will result in increase of food prices.

Public reaction by individuals, groups and whole populations to genetic alteration and enhancement of foods and plants  has been intense. With the result that France and several other European, Asian and African countries have placed moratoriums or labels on such foods. Food giants like Unilever U.K. and Nestle U.K have withdrawn their acceptance of these foods. However, American and Canadian authorities are of the opinion that genetically engineered foods are substantially similar to their unaltered organic equivalents.

The risks involved are indicative of irreversible consequences. Therefore in the interest of preservation of our civilization, adequate genetic testing is a minimal requirement.

On the other hand, considering the disinterest shown by the authorities, the whole debate of genetic modification versus organic production may be another huge blown up affair like the Y2K scare .

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