Genetically modified organisms, called GMOs, are living organisms with genetic structures engineered to make them resistant to certain pesticides, diseases or insects. Prior to their invention, these foods were not an integral part of the human diet and therefore their health consequences for those who consume them over long time periods are currently unknown. Furthermore, there is concern that GMOs may have negative effects on the ecological system.
Definition
GMOs are organisms in which the DNA has been altered by a process called recombinant DNA technology. This involves a series of procedures used to join together, or recombine, DNA segments from two or more different DNA molecules. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, and also between unrelated species. GMO foods are designed for resilience to commercial herbicides or to produce pesticidal proteins from within the plant. Some GMO seeds are called "stacked trait seeds," which are both resilient to herbicides and contain anti-pest proteins. For example, Monsanto's SmartStax, a triple-stacked corn, is a combination of eight genetically modified traits: six for insect resistance and two for herbicide tolerance. SmartStax kills pests above and below the ground, such as corn earworms, and resists the Roundup herbicide.
Types
The first genetically modified food was a tomato called FlavrSavr, which was created in 1992. Since then, a variety of other plants have been altered by genetic engineering. The most common genetically modified crops are corn, soybeans, canola, sugar beets and cotton. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, in the U.S. as of 2009, 91 percent of the planted area of soybeans, 88 percent of cotton, 85 percent of corn and 95 percent of the sugar beet are genetically modified varieties. As of 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration is considering clearing genetically modified salmon for human consumption.
Potential Health Effects
GMO foods are widely dispersed without human testing. Consequently, there is concern over the long-term human health effects from consuming genetically modified foods. Since most GMO studies are limited to animal species, the fear is the same deleterious health effects could occur in humans as in animals. Joël Spiroux de Vendômois authored a 2009 study in the "International Journal of Biological Sciences" that revealed that GMOs are toxic to rats' internal organs. In particular, the data showed that genetically modified corn caused severe liver and kidney toxicity. Furthermore, a 2008 study reported by Professor Jurgen Zentek of the Austrian Health Ministry linked genetically modified corn with infertility in rats.
Environmental Effects
Aside from health concerns, apprehensions exist over GMO contamination of the environment. GMOs have the ability to escape containment systems and introduce their engineered genes into neighboring non-GMO crop populations. There is also concern regarding engineered pesticidal effects on non-target insects and animals. For example, SmartStax contains the chemical Clothianidin used to reduce damage to the corn caused by secondary pests. In 2008, the US Environmental Protection Agency reported that exposure to Clothiandin-treated seeds is highly toxic to honeybees and may result in developmental effects in small mammals. Moreover, according to the EPA, "Clothianidin in the environment introduces a compound that has potential to leach to ground water, as well as runoff to surface waters." In Germany, Clothianidin is banned; in fact, GMO foods have been banned in Germany, Hungary, France, Austria and Greece.
Solutions
As of 2010 there are no labeling requirements for GMO foods in the US, so identification is difficult. You can avoid most GMO foods by avoiding the five most common GMO ingredients: corn, cottonseed oil, canola oil, sugar, and soybeans. Most genetically modified corn and soy is used for animal feed, so avoid meat, eggs and dairy products from animals that have been fed genetically modified feed. Avoid dairy products from cows injected with recombinant bovine growth hormone. Avoid food additives, enzymes, flavorings and processing agents, including the sweetener aspartame, and rennet used to make hard cheeses. Limit consumption of Hawaiian papaya, zucchini and yellow squash unless grown by a local farmer; these are also GMO crops.
References
- Monsanto.com: Genuity SmartStax Corn
- GMO Compass: National Agricultural Statistics Service -- "Acreage"
- International Journal of Biological Sciences: A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health
- International Journal of Biological Sciences: How Subchronic and Chronic Health Effects can be Neglected for GMOs, Pesticides or Chemicals
- Organic Consumers Association: New Study Links Genetically Engineered Corn to Infertility
- US Environmental Protection Agency Pesticide Fact Sheet: Clothianidin
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