Genetically Modified Food

Genetically Modified Food

Genetically modified (GM) is widely available in the USA, but is

viewed with suspicion by the overwhelming majority or people in

Europe.

To meet the increasing food needs of a growing world population,

science has discovered the technique of genetically modifying plants

and crops to enhance crop yield and create superior and stronger

varieties of crops and fruits.

These genetically modified plants are used as medicines and vaccines,

foods and food ingredients, feeds and fibres. Controversies

surrounding G.M foods and crops commonly focus on human and

environmental safety, labelling and consumer choice, ethics, food

security, poverty reduction and conservation.

Some people regard this technology as potentially harmful to human

health because we do not know enough about the ways genes operate and

interact to be sure of what the outcome of any modification will be.

They worry that alterations could accidentally lead to substances that

are poisonous or trigger allergies.

So can we trust the food we eat?

All food products, novel or otherwise, are subject to a system of

regulation which should ensure safety and consumer confidence.

These regulations set standards that must be met. Testing procedures

are designed to pick up problems before products get to the market.

When we get ill as a result of eating food, it is usually because of

poor practice somewhere along the line.

BSE/CJD is a very good example of this: the rendering and abattoir

industries adopted ineffective procedures and failed to remove

specified meat products from the human food chain.

Remember that we the consumers also have responsibilities. One of the

reasons food poisoning cases have risen dramatically I recent years is

because we have failed to store and prepare food correctly in our own

kitchens.

How do I know what I am eating?

The UK Government, together with industry, is attempting to produce

better labelling of food- so that consumers know precisely what they

are buying, be it in a supermarket or restaurant.

The current rules state that GM food has to be labelled unless “