A GM food is one that has sequences of DNA from another organism inserted into its genome in order to get a desired phenotype. The definition of GM food may also include foods that have an a deleted gene, foods such as cheese that are made from enzymes that are from a genetically modified organism, and foods such as beef that have been fed genetically modified feed. Traditionally, plants and animals were selectively mated in order to get desired phenotypes. This took many generations to improve organisms. Also called genetically modified organisms (GMO). Involves the insertion of DNA from one organism
into another OR modification of an organism’s DNA in order to achieve a desired trait
Genetically Modified Foods
- Available for human consumption
- Vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Rice
- Cheese
- Meat
- Soybean
- Corn
- Starlink corn –animl feed
Possible Benefits of genetically modified food.
- Reduce pesticide and herbicide use
- Increase crop yields
- Improve nutritional quality
- Reduce waste
- Disease resistance
- Reduce ecological impact
- Reduce cost
- Easing of world hunger
- Development of crops that can be grown in marginal soil
- Reduced strain on nonrenewable resources
- Development of drought resistant crops
- Development of salt-tolerant crops
- Development of crops that make more efficient use of nitrogen and other nutrients
- Improved crop quality
- Development of frost resistant crops
- Development of disease resistant crops
- Development of flood resistant crops
- Improved nutritional quality
- Development of foods designed to meet specific nutritional goal.
Possible Risks of GM Foods
Insects might develop resistance to pesticide-producing GM crops Herbicide-tolerant crops may cross-pollinate weeds, resulting in “superweeds.Certain gene products may be allergens, thus causing harm to human health There may be unintended harm to wildlife and beneficial insects like butter fly etc.
STATUS OF GMOs IN AGRICULTURE.
- so far 17 crops approved for commercial cultivation
- major characteristics are insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, virus resistance and improved product quality
- major countries include usa, canada, japan, china, eu, argentina, south africa
- only four crops being marketed commercially i.e., corn, cotton, soybean and canola
- commercial production initiated for papaya, squash and tobacco in usa.
- 63 countries involved at various stages
- 57 plants identified for development
- second generation of traits include modifications such as nutritional enhancement, disease tolerance, stress tolerance and production of pharmaceuticals.
PUBLICATION/DOCUMENTS/WEBSITES/ VIDEO FILMS
- handbooks for various regulatory bodies.
- resource material on biosafety issues for specific stakeholders.
- manuals on risk assessment and management procedures, aia procedure, methods and approaches for lmo detection.
- newsletters/bulletins
- video films on successful case studies
- cds/videos on regulatory requirements
- dedicated biosafety website etc.
- FDCA- Product described by its common name and all important facts associated with claims made or suggested are shown on the label
- Not all GE food products are required to be labeled as such solely because they involved genetic engineering
- Certain situations require labeling
- GRAS
- Toxicity standards
- Allergy testing
- “Substantially equivalent”
Potential Human Health Risks.
Allergens
- Genetic engineering could potential introduce or create allergens
- For example, inserting genes from a nut into another plant could be dangerous for people who are allergic to nuts.
Unknown health risks
- Biological processes involve a lot of interaction It is often difficult to identify every possible interaction.
Allergens
- Genetic engineering could potential introduce or create allergens
- For example, inserting genes from a nut into another plant could be dangerous for people who are allergic to nuts
Unknown health risks
- Biological processes involve a lot of Interaction It is often difficult to identify every possible interaction
Are GM foods safe and nutritious?
- All GM foods have been extensively tested and they are as safe as other foods in the market place.
- GM crops can be made into convenience and “junk” food just like organic crops and other crops!
- Nutrition depends on the food, not the method of crop breeding
Conclusion.
Current GM crops play a major role in some IPM systems with benefits for farmers and the environment
- GM crops have broadened opportunities for other IPM tactics such as biological control
- Intelligent resistance management will be a key for sustainable use of GM crops in IPM
- Pest resistant GM plants must be seen as an IPM component that can be optimized.
Abdul Basit (PhD Scholar). Institute of plant protection Graduate school of Chinese Academy Of Agricultural Science (GSCAAS) Beijing China.