Is Genetically Modified Food Bad For You?
The GM Food Debate
You are more than likely consuming GMO foods and have been for a long time, even though you might feel that you are a concious eater. With the instability of food supplies and the growing demand placed on it by expanding populations, scientists and large corporations have created genetically modified foods/organisms. We as humans are plagued by a number of diseases and ailments mostly all based off bad diet choices made in the past. With the rise in food costs and families to feed we are settling for what is most economical, the truth is there is a “devil” in the detail of what we consider healthy, may it be organic, natural, low fat or fat free.
What is genetically modified food?
Genetically modified foods or GM foods are foods produced from organisms that have had detailed changes made to their DNA. These methods have allowed for the introduction of new crop qualities as well as a far superior power over a food’s genetic make-up than beforehand by way of selective breeding and mutation breeding.
Marketable sale of genetically modified foods began in 1994, when Calgene, an American company first marketed its Flavr Savr delayed ripening tomato. Up till now most genetic modifications of foods have primarily focused on crops in high demand by farmers such as soybean, corn and canola. They have been tailored for resistance to pathogens and herbicides and superior nutrient profiles. GM livestock have also been experimentally developed, although as of November 2013 none are currently on the market.
In the 2012 season roughly 72% of all maize seed sold in South Africa was GM.
Pro’s of GM Foods…
- Increased pest and disease resistance
- Drought tolerance
- Increased food supply
Con’s of GM Foods
- Introducing allergens and toxins to food
- Accidental contamination between genetically modified and non-genetically modified foods
- Antibiotic resistance
- Adversely changing the nutrient content of a crop
- Creation of “super” weeds and other environmental risks
GM crops are either eaten directly by humans, used as animal feed, or used as ingredients in processed foods.
Foods that have been genetically modified…
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Soy
- Dairy
- Sugar
- Animal feed
- Oils
- Potatoes
- Maize
- Meat and poultry that is fed modified food or
How to avoid eating GMO foods…
- Read and understand your food labels, that would be the first step to determining if your food is GMO.
- Buy food that is labelled 100% organic.
- Recognise fruit and vegetable label numbers, If it is a 5-digit number beginning with an 8, it is GM.
- Purchase meat that is 100% grass fed or pasture fed. Pigs and poultry cannot be feed 100% grass so look out for 100% organic.
- Look out for products that are labelled non-GMO.
- Shop locally for fresh produce.
- Buy whole foods, anything you can make yourself, rather than food from a bag.
- Grow your own food, you will know exactly what was put in to growing your own vegetables, herbs and fruits.
- Avoid rBGH/rBST or genetically engineered bovine growth hormone IGF-1.
Potential effects that GMO foods have on your health…
No long term studies have been done on humans to determine the effect that GMO foods have on their health. Feared possible health risks are the immunity towards particular antibiotics, accelerated ageing and reproductive disorders.
Tests done on local brands conducted by the ACB (African Centre for Biosafety)…
GM white maize is used mainly as milled maize meal for human consumption and eaten by several million South Africans as a staple food, at least once a day.
- Premier’s Iwisa 81.2% GM content, October 2013
- Pioneer’s White Star Super Maize meal 72,04% GM maize content, October 2013
- Premier’s course braai pap, 55.22% GM maize content, October 2013
- Premier’s Nyala Super Maize Meal, 87.44% GM maize content, March 2013
- Woolworth’s Super Maize meal, 79.78% GM maize content, March 2013
- Premier’s Impala maize meal, 66.18% GM content, March 2012
- ACE Super maize meal 78% GM maize content, June 2013
- ACE Maize Rice 70% GM maize content, June 2013
- ACE Instant Porridge 68% GM maize content, June 2013
Regulation for labelling on all food products is still not enforced 100% in South Africa. Sadly it is up to the consumer to make themselves aware of all the various food labelling and ingredients found in a product, even the ones that are found fresh in the fruit and vegetable section of local supermarkets.
Extra reading…
- What exactly are you eating – understanding food labels.
Source: WebMd, Wikipedia, Andreas Späth – News 24, Rayshell Clapper for redOrbit.com, Label GM Foods, Serj Sagan, Viv – Scenic South, Mariam Mayet, Zakiyya Ismail, African Centre for Biosafety
South Africa is currently the only country in the world that grows a GM staple food.
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