What is a genetically modified food?
Genetically modified foods, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically engineered (GE) foods, contain alterations in their genes or DNA due to the insertion of a virus to protect the food against insects, herbicides, and for other purposes such as attempting to boost nutritional value.
What foods are genetically modified?
Genetically modified foods are not labeled, and the majority of processed foods on most grocery shelves contain genetically engineered ingredients. Corn, soy, and canola are the most genetically modified foods, as well as potatoes, tomatoes, yellow squash, and dairy products. Non-organic meat, poultry, dairy, and egg products originating in the United States contain genetically engineered substances due to soymeal and corn livestock feed.
Organic foods cannot be produced with genetically modified organisms in the United States.
What are potential health effects from genetic modifications in foods?
- Compromises the immune system
- Contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance1
- Introduces new allergens and toxins in and from foods2
What else should I know about genetically modified foods?
- Some areas of the world have banned genetically modified foods, including New Zealand, states in Australia, parts of Europe, and several counties in California.
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References
- Bergmans H, Logie C, Van Maanen K, Hermsen H, Meredyth M, Van Der Vlugt C. Identification of potentially hazardous human gene products in GMO risk assessment. Environ Biosafety Res. 2008 Jan-Mar;7(1):1-9. Epub 2008 Apr 3. Review. PubMed PMID: 18384725
- 2. Gotua M, Lomidze N, Dolidze N, Gotua T. IgE-mediated food hypersensitivity disorders. Georgian Med News. 2008 Apr;(157):39-44. Review. PubMed PMID:18487689
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