Frankenfood

Frankenfood

Genetically Modified Organisms

GMOs aren’t just in your food

Attractiveness of GMO's

Safety

Resilience and less waste

Enviromment

Nutritional Value

There are multiple generations of GMOs

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GMO crops may be increasingly attractive to consumers. Examples of this include apples and potatoes that are less likelyTrusted Source to bruise or turn brown. Some believe that GMO foods may have an enhanced flavor compared to non-GMO foods. However, there is no evidence to show that genetic modification has any effect on the taste, smell, or appearance of foods in the U.S. In fact, most people cannot tell the difference between GMO and non-GMO foods.

Most GMO crops in the U.S. were developed to help farmers. They are more resilient crops that help prevent crop and food loss. Some of the reasons farmers choose to grow GMO crops includeTrusted Source:

• Higher tolerance to herbicides, making it easier to control weeds
• Greater resistance to certain plant viruses, which can help increase food security by reducing food waste
• Greater residence to damaging insects, which can help reduce the use of pesticides

GMO crops may also be more resistantTrusted Source to harsh climates, such as drought, heat, and salty soils. This can help increase the growth of crops in areas where food security is a concern. Certain genes in GMO foods may also help increase the shelf life of foods, again decreasing food waste.

Nutritional value

Certain types of GMOs may add nutritional value to foods. An example of this is golden rice. This is a product that is engineered to provide higher levels of vitamin A to consumers. While it can provide nutritional value to those who eat it, especially in areas where vitamin A deficiency is an issue, the growth of this product is not widespread. It is not currently a part of the U.S. food system. Growing plants that are more resistant to diseases spread by insects or viruses will likely result in higher yields for farmers and a more attractive product. All these factors can contribute to lower costs for the consumer and can ensure that more people have access to quality food.

Many long-term health studies have been conducted on GMOs. In addition to having a long and safe track record, GM crops are repeatedly tested for consumer and environmental safety. Furthermore, these many tests are reviewed in the U.S. by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as similar organizations internationally. In fact, following the publication of 130 studies by 500 independent research groups over 25 years, the European Commission concludes that GM crops pose no additional risk compared to conventional plant breeding processes.

1. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/frankenfood
2. https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/genetically-modified-organisms_en
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324576
4. https://www.foodunfolded.com/article/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-gmo?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm5e5BhCWARIsANwm06iAtktV-u1rY56WZUVpBDQ2Nxzny5cb5WLurh0Hwvby7iIZDr67bjYaAnAZEALw_wcB
5. https://www.proterrafoundation.org/news/gmo-and-non-gmo-pros-and-cons/
6. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/23/well/eat/are-gmo-foods-safe.html
7. https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/gmos-and-environment

The desirable characteristics in individuals appeared through naturally occurring variations in the genetic make-up of plants and animals. In recent times, it has become possible to modify the genetic make-up of living cells and organisms using techniques of modern biotechnology called gene technology. Such organisms are called "genetically modified organisms" (GMOs). Food and feed which contain or consist of such GMOs, or are produced from GMOs, are called "genetically modified (GM) food or feed".

Cotton can also be ‘GMO’d’, and as a result, a whole tonne of other everyday items have GMO ingredients in them. Sheets, towels, clothes, you name it. It doesn’t stop at cotton, though. GMOs can be found in a bunch of other products. Alcohol can be made from GM corn and soy, so GM can be found in toiletries, hand sanitiser, ink, and gasoline - the list is as surprising and diverse as it comes.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and foods made from GMOs have been available to consumers since the 1990s. Since their introduction, researchers have studied their impacts on the environment. Overall, studies have shown GMOs can have positive environmental impacts and can be important tools for addressing the causes and effects of climate change. When farmers grow Bt crop varieties, they can apply less insecticide while still preventing insect damage to their crops. This in turn allows for a higher diversity of beneficial insects. For example, insecticide application among U.S. corn and cotton farmers decreased by over 80% from 1996 to 2017. Practicing conservation tillage is easier for farmers who grow HT crops. Conservation tillage, also called no-till farming, means farmers don’t turn over the soil when planting new crops.This can reduce soil erosion from wind and water, help soil hold more water, and maintain soil nutrients. It can also reduce the carbon footprint of farming.

GMOs have been around since the early 90s,and in plant years, that’s ages (I’m sure there’s a wizened old vegetable out there mumbling, ‘Back in my day…’). As a result, enough time has passed for there to be multiple generations of the reasoning behind GM. The first centred around the farmer and delivering better yields and reducing costs. The second was consumer-centric, with better taste and shelf life. Only time will tell what the next will be…