The truth about GM foods

by Amal Hewavissenti

GM fruit and vegetables retain their freshness for longer

Genetically modified food (GM food) is generally food made from animal and vegetable varieties and produced by a process called genetic engineering. In the market place, we are most often attracted to brightly coloured, fresh looking jumbo sized fruit or lush green 'farm fresh' vegetables on display. In fact, people buy these 'beautiful' products and become physically dependent on them only to introduce their bodies to an array of disorders.

But the reality may be quite unpalatable. Why? The irresistably appealing taste, appearance and shape of those foods are enough to attract anyone. However, research and experiments carried out to test the quality and value of these foods have been compelled to give out negative conclusions. Researchers have come to conclusions that these foods might pose a considerable health risk in the long run. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables strangely maintain an unnaturally fresh colour, tone, size and pleasing taste. The regular intake of food of this type may indeed be unhealthy.

Why genetic engineering

With the population increasing, the extent of land suitable for cultivation is being narrowed down at a speedy pace. Under such difficult circumstances, what really has to be done or can be done is not merely increasing the amount of crops, but boosting the level of productivity within the limited space. So genetic engineering has come into operation as a means of increasing productivity because limited land and crops are inadequate to provide food for the soaring population. Here, genetic engineering is applied not to increase the stocks of crops, but to produce the maximum to cater to the food needs, which is becoming a drastically challenging task. This process involves increasing the bulk of production rather than increasing the amount of crops or turning barren land in to arable land which is an increasingly difficult task.

Genetic treatment of tomatoes

Even in food production from animal sources, the same principles are observed. Experts on genetic engineering have focused on increasing the bulk of a chicken, for example, to produce more meat and eggs, rather than increasing the population of chicken. Artificially promoted and deformed genes were thus infused into the animal to upgrade and enhance the bulk and taste of the particular animal product. These artificially treated, genetically deformed animals grow up in complete contrast to their natural brothers and sisters who may not be so productive or sizeable in appearance.

Genetic engineering

We see that fruits and vegetables that are results of genetic engineering develop a baffling resistance to extreme weather conditions such as strong sunlight. These fruit and vegetables never seem to wither, lose colour or rot, even though they are stored or kept in market places for a long time. This definitely sounds unusual and unnatural.

At the same time, genetically produced foods have a noticeable tolerance to pest attacks and damage caused by fungi. Though consumers may have their doubts about the quality and nutritional value of GM foods their appealing appearance blind them to any adverse effects these foods may pose. However, sellers and importers of GM foods prefer them over others considering the huge profits they could make from these attractive fruits and vegetables. They are less concerned about the nutritional needs of people or the qualitative value of the imported foods. It becomes merely a matter of competition among commercially rival parties to grab the highest profit and market share. Thus it is clearly noticeable that the (seeming) 'freshness' and colour of vegetables or fruits from genetically treated crops are not a convincing criterion for nutrition as expected by us, the consumers. This 'freshness' does not at all guarantee the high level of nutritive value assumed to be latent in GM foods. Instead of nutrition, the dangerously attractive foods might undermine one's health or even life in the long run.

The effect of these foods has not yet been identified as totally harmless or totally harmful. Yet, certain tests and experiments carried out on them have revealed the presence of chemicals which cause serious illnesses in the human body.

Genetically modified crops are pesticide-tolerant and herbicide-tolerant. For example, a special variety of tomatoes was introduced by the USA where the plant had the capacity to delay the ripening of its fruit. This is the nature of genetically treated crops.

A solution for global hunger?

According to the World Health Organisation more than 172 million children under ten years of age throughout the world are not taking even the minimum level of calories needed per day. No less than 840 million people, mostly in developing countries, are fighting a losing battle against malnutrition. They are unable to fulfil their food needs because of economic barriers against a background of malnutrition and hunger.

Based on economic theories and development strategies, developed countries ruthlessly destroy their excess food stocks or use them as animal food without giving anything to the people dying daily through lack of food.

This trend is increasing day by day. But developed countries tactfully cover up their actions and project the idea that a severe food shortage is just round the corner and that GM foods are the best solution to this predicament.

The main GM crops cultivated throughout the world are maize, soya, cotton and canola. However, any possibility of GM foods and animals having a catastrophic effect on people must be closely studied.

Textured vegetable protein, soy bean, soya flour, soya milk, soya sauce, defatted soya flour, corn, maize, corn flour, maize flour, fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, cheese, potatoes, potato products, beet sugar and yeast are some of the main GM foods available in the market today. How far these foods affect our health is also a major issue. These foods are high in taste, but poor in nutritional value.

An intensive research conducted by a medical expert (Samuel Epittsson) proved that soya milk, which contains the IGF-I hormone, increases the risk of breast cancer by five hundred percent. The risk is proved to be high if the particular hormone (IGF-I) is consumed repeatedly in large quantities.

It is generally accepted that genetically produced crops are a major threat to health and to the ecological balance. In 2005, Irina Ermakova, a Russian doctor made a spectacular revelation. She conducted an experiment in which 45 mice were given genetically modified soya. Twenty five of the mice died after eating soya food.

World health experts warn that a person who consumes GM foods over a long period is certain to develop allergenic tendencies and toxicity. While negative reports have come from all over the world, developed countries such as America, Japan, Canada and the European Union have taken precautionary measures to safeguard their people from the harmful effects of GM foods.

Mice on test?

The world's superpowers are still holding the monopoly of genetic engineering technology and seeds and a possible solution to global hunger falls beyond the boundaries of reality. People buy GM products because of their wide availability.

The masterminds behind these GM foods are at work, spreading their products throughout the world and at the same time conducting experiments as to the possible health risks they may pose on the people of Third World countries to whom they sell the food. They employ people from Third World countries to gauge the risks or any potential danger of their products, just as scientists use mice to test harmful substances.

Recently, British authorities took measures to remove GM foods from the mid day meal of pre-school children. How about us? Should we be the mice in a laboratory who have to die at the hand of scientists so that they can prove their theory? We should never allow them to experiment with our stomaches in their move to obtain a feedback on their products. The decision lies with us!