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GMO Is it safe? What are the benefits?
Table of Contents
1. Benefits of genetic modification
Genetic modifications involving the insertion of appropriate genes into the original genetic material are supposed to give plants beneficial traits, such as resistance to viruses or other harmful agents. An example is modified rice with higher levels of iron and vitamins, which can help fight malnutrition in Asian countries. An interesting example is the Hawaiian papaya crop, which is up to 80% genetically modified.2. Admission of GMOs to the market
Davison J., Ammann K. In their article New GMO regulations for old. they argue that EU law is one of the most stringent laws governing the marketing of GMOs in the world. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003. Food and feed containing or produced from genetically modified organisms must be subject to a safety assessment in accordance with European Union procedures before being placed on the market. According to this Regulation, no food of this kind put on the world market may cause harmful effects in humans or animals. No GMO may also be placed onto the market without authorisation.3. How does EFSA assess food safety?
On the EFSA website (European Food Safety Authority) we can read that the safety assessment is carried out on the basis of scientific documentation provided by authorisation applicants. The safety assessment takes into account, inter alia, new interactions resulting from protein modification. It also takes into consideration whether the modified product differs from its traditional counterpart in terms of nutritional and visual values (or differs, e.g. length, colour, etc.). It also assesses its potential toxicity, allergenicity and environmental impact.4. Are these the plants that are most likely to be genetically modified?
Genetically modified maize, soybeans, rapeseed, cotton, potatoes, rice and sugar beets are the most commonly cultivated. The countries with the most extensive GMO crops include the United States, China, India, Argentina, Brazil, Canada. In the European Union only genetically engineered maize MON 810 is allowed to be grown. This maize is grown in Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovakia. This does not change the fact that Europe imports a significant proportion of the modified food.5. Labelling of GMOs
Each product containing or consisting of GMOs or containing ingredients produced from GMOs must contain such information on its label. The information may appear in the list of ingredients or under the list on the label. On the other hand, if the product is not prepackaged, the manufacturer is obliged to place the information on or directly next to the exhibition label.6. Register of genetically modified products
In order to find out what types of products have been placed on the market and what kind of interference has been made with the genetic material, please consult the following: following the selection of the categories, the ID number, the manufacturer, the type of modified genes, the area of use are available. We all have the right to request access to the documentation provided by the producer and third parties to EFSA.7. Are genetically modified foods safe?
There is no answer to this question. The law is concerned about the safety of food being marketed and it is restrictive. Based on this, it can be assumed that GMOs are not a threat to us. But there is no long-term research that assesses this. There is also no evidence of the harmfulness of GMOs. As Professor Dr. Hab. Paweł Golik, director of the Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology at the University of Warsaw, said in an interview with Katarzyna Gandor.
