Genetic food: Beneficial but concerns exist

A gene is a unit of heredity that defines a trait or characteristic through the DNA code. In other words, it is a blueprint which determines the unique characteristics of plants, animals and micro-organisms. The technology driven modification of genes is called genetic modification, also called genetic engineering.

Genetic modification has the ability to transform plants with specific characteristics, for example: pest or infection resistant, altered nutrients, high yielding crops that can grow in different climates or better flavour and taste. Some of the first experiments with genetically engineered crops have yielded tomato plants that produce animal antibodies against viral infection conferring disease resistance. Alternatively, infection resistant genes from other plants have been inserted into plants to make them resistant to bacterial infections. Another example is petunia plant protect soybeans from herbicides and bacterial gene inserted into corn protects against the European corn borer. A number of concerns exist around such modifications by food scientists, consumers and policy makers.

Plants with favourable characteristics have been produced for thousands of years by conventional breeding methods. Desirable traits are selected and the process is long taking up to 15 years to produce new varieties or hybrids. However, Genetic engineering not only allows this process to be dramatically accelerated but also in a highly targeted manner. Such plants are also called transgenic plants.

Safety is a major concern. Genetically modified plants could make higher levels of toxic substances, may have potential ill effects on the environment and may also be immunogenic. For example, genes from a peanut plant inserted into another plant could make the new variety able to trigger reactions in those with peanut allergies.

Another example in the mid 2000 in the U.S was genetically modified corn, meant for animal feed found its way into the food supply. Dozens of people claimed that they became ill after consuming Taco shells, leading to its withdrawal from the U.S. market.

Genetically modified (or GM) plants have attracted a large amount of attention in the recent years and continue to do so. New generation GM crops are now being developed for production of medicines, vaccines, plastics and biofuels.

Nevertheless, considerable opposition to GM crops exists.  GM foods are tightly regulated by government bodies. Scientists must conduct long term safety studies on human and environmental health before introduction of these in the food supply.

Author is a clinical nutritionist and founder of  http://bit.ly/1GVI4Zo and Whole Foods India

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