What Does GM Foods Mean?

Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified foods (GM foods) are grown from plants that are created with the use of genetically modified organisms or GMOs. GMOs are organisms that have altered DNA through the use of genetic engineering or gene technology basics. Through this technology, it is possible to create organisms that have transferred genes that are not found in the organisms naturally. For example, it is possible to isolate the gene that is responsible for high nutritional content and transfer it to another plant that will then have higher nutritional content than the unmodified versions.

How Prevalent Is This Practice?

Since GMOs were introduced, genetically modified plants like maize, soybeans and cotton have increased in production. In 2010, of the total land available for cultivation, more than 160 million acres, was being used to produce genetically modified plants. Of this, more than 45 percent of these crops were being produced in the United States alone. In 2010, 95 percent of all sugar beet, 86 percent of corn and 93 percent of cotton cultivated in the United States was genetically modified.

Consumer Awareness & Policing of GM Foods

In the past, foods available in the market were rarely genetically modified except for corn syrup, which contained GM plant sediments. Presently, there are more GM modified foods and many are realizing that conventionally cultivated or organically grown plants are more trusted because they are considered safe for consumption. GM foods, on the other hand, are subjected to a whole variety of tests and evaluations before they are marketed to ensure that they do not affect humans in any way.

Policing of the GM foods is done by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the Food and Drug Administration FDA) in the United States. FDA relies primarily on two sections of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to ensure the safety of foods and food ingredients. Generally, whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables and grains, are not subject to premarket approval. This means that a large amount of GM foods are introduced into the market without adequate safety tests being conducted.

What Are The Dangers?

GM foods are tested for dangers to human health, which primarily stem from the tendency to cause allergic reactions, toxicity and nutritional issues along with any unknown effects of the products. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the WHO keep a strict check on the original plants that are permitted for use in gene transfer. Ideally, no GM foods available in the market should test positive for producing any allergenic issues. Since different genetically modified genes are inserted into organisms in varied ways, the risk assessment cannot be generalized and has to be checked by the country's regulation bodies.

There are some studies that show that GM foods fed to mice alter their organs and lead to cancer. There is a great concern that GM foods have not been researched enough to understand the ramifications of changing genes within our basic food groups such as grain and corn. These are foods that are fed to beef and poultry. Therefore, the long term effects may be greater than we now know.

How Can We Protect Ourselves If We Do Not Want To Eat GM Foods?

The best thing to do is to buy foods that are labeled as 100 percent organic as these products are not supposed to contain GMOs. Most labels also boast a 'GM-Free' or 'Non-GMO' sign. Processed foods are best avoided as approximately 70 percent of all processed foodstuffs contain GMOs.

Dining out brings exposure to GM foods and while it may seem impossible to protect yourself completely, you should stay aware of what might be in your grains and corn and eat as organically as possible. Keep yourself informed about the latest developments in GMO and GM foods so that you can take the steps necessary to protect yourself and your family.

Christine Frisbee is an inventor and marketing expert. She has invented several products that promote health and well-being. She has worked in the medical field with cancer researchers and clinicians as well as nutritionists. She has become an authority on natural health treatments and care. Her inventions include a pillow that stops snoring and fragrances that improve your mood and give you energy.

An author of one book and another in production, Christine enjoys writing on new ways to stay healthy with organic and natural products for personal and family care. She received a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.

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