Bioengineered foods, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), have sparked considerable debate. While proponents tout their potential benefits, concerns linger about their impact on human health and the environment. This article delves into the complexities surrounding bioengineered foods, exploring potential risks and offering insights into making informed choices.
Bioengineered / Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Their Potential Health Concerns
Understanding Bioengineered Foods
The term “GMO” is often used broadly, encompassing various techniques. Bioengineering refers specifically to the scientific alteration of an organism’s DNA using biotechnology, involving methods like gene guns, bacteria, or the introduction of foreign genes.
Genetic engineering differs significantly from traditional breeding practices. While traditional breeding involves crossing varieties within the same species to combine desirable traits, genetic engineering allows the introduction of DNA from unrelated species. For instance, a soybean plant might be engineered to tolerate herbicides by incorporating DNA from another, unrelated plant species. This can lead to unpredictable interactions with the organism’s existing genes and potentially with other organisms, including humans.
Potential Health Concerns Associated with Bioengineered Foods
One of the primary concerns is the potential for bioengineered foods to negatively impact human health. The introduction of foreign DNA can result in novel proteins that may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
For example, the FDA approved a genetically engineered salmon for human consumption despite internal reports indicating that the fish’s flesh was less firm and contained higher levels of the allergenic protein IGF-1 compared to wild salmon. The approval was based on studies conducted by the biotechnology company that developed the salmon, without requiring independent verification of its safety. FDA scientists even voiced concerns about potential increased cancer risks, urging further long-term studies. Despite this, the genetically engineered salmon received approval in 2015 without mandatory labeling or additional testing.
The lack of mandatory human clinical trials for GMO foods before market introduction in both the US and Canada is another point of concern.
The Purpose Behind Bioengineered Foods
In the United States, a primary driver for developing GMO crops is herbicide resistance. Many genetically modified plants are engineered to withstand glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup. This allows farmers to control weeds without harming the crop. However, this practice has led to a significant increase in the use of glyphosate-based herbicides.
The creation of GMOs has been largely driven by the potential for profit by large chemical companies, rather than a focus on improving human health.
The Controversy Surrounding Glyphosate
The safety of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is a subject of ongoing debate. While some argue that it poses minimal risk to humans, others, including some scientists within the EPA, express concerns about its potential link to serious health issues like cancer, birth defects, and gluten intolerance.
Glyphosate-based herbicides are designed to inhibit EPSP synthase, an enzyme vital for plant growth. While the manufacturer claims glyphosate is safe for humans due to the absence of this enzyme, many scientists believe it can be harmful by affecting other biological processes.
Research indicates that glyphosate can disrupt beneficial gut bacteria and alter gene expression in human cells. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” based on animal studies.
Further Concerns: New and Old Diseases
The potential for bioengineered foods to contribute to the emergence of new diseases and the resurgence of old ones is a significant concern. The complex interactions resulting from combining DNA from different species are not fully understood, making it difficult to predict potential health consequences. The lack of extensive research in this area raises concerns about potential adverse effects on human health.
For instance, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, is believed to have originated after scientists inserted a gene coding for a prion (a rogue protein) from another species into cows’ DNA.
Long-Term Impacts and Ecosystem Threats
The long-term effects of consuming bioengineered foods remain largely unknown. Notably, no human feeding studies have been conducted on commercially available bioengineered foods.
Studies within the biotech industry have indicated potential adverse effects. For example, hamsters fed bioengineered soybeans over three generations experienced reduced sperm production and abnormal embryos. Mice fed genetically engineered potatoes exhibited complete shutdown of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas after only 10 days.
Genetic engineering can also damage or rearrange genes, potentially altering a food’s nutritional content, creating new toxins, or causing unexpected allergic reactions.
Furthermore, genetic engineering poses a threat to non-food plants crucial for ecosystem health. Bioengineered crops like Monsanto’s “Roundup Ready” canola have escaped into the environment, displacing wild canola populations essential for supporting various species like bees, butterflies, and birds.
Alternatives to Bioengineered Foods
Traditional breeding methods offer a viable alternative to genetic engineering. By crossbreeding plants with desirable traits over multiple generations, new varieties can be developed without introducing foreign DNA or creating new diseases. This process also allows for thorough testing in real-world conditions, ensuring healthier products with minimal environmental impact.
How to Avoid GMOs
While some regions like the European Union, Japan, and Australia mandate GMO labeling, it remains challenging to identify genetically modified foods in the U.S. and Canada without opting for organic products.
Processed foods like cookies, crackers, sauces, soups, and salad dressings often contain GMOs. Common GMO crops include soybeans (including soybean oil), corn, and canola. Other genetically modified crops include sugar beets, zucchini, yellow summer squash, plum tomatoes, and some varieties of potatoes and papayas from Hawaii.
The simplest way to avoid GMOs is to choose certified organic products. Organic certification prohibits the use of GMOs. Look for labels from organizations like EcoCert or Quality Assurance International (QAI). You can also seek out the Non-GMO Project label. Staying informed about organic industry issues through organizations like the Canadian Organic Trade Association (COTA) can also help.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
The potential risks associated with bioengineered foods, including the introduction of new diseases, the resurgence of old ones, and threats to ecosystems, warrant careful consideration. Given the uncertainties surrounding genetic engineering, further independent scientific research is crucial to fully understand its impact on our environment and human health. By supporting organic farming and staying informed, consumers can make conscious choices about the foods they consume.
