Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic materials (DNA) have been modified in a way that does not occur naturally e.g., through the introduction of a gene from a different organism. The technology is also called “modern technology” “gene technology” or “recombinant DNA technology”.GM food mostly from plants is available at the present but it is expected to be from GM microorganisms or GM animals in near future.

Genetically modified crops have been developed to improve yield with the introduction of resistance to disease or increased tolerance to herbicides.GM foods reduce the price of food through improved yield and reliability. Genetically modified foods are safe to eat as suggested by WHO and other leading health organizations. The food that is often modified includes corn and soybeans which can be turned into products like cornstarch, corn syrup, soybean oil m canola oil, corn oil, or granulated sugar.GM food has improved nutritional value, for example, by producing GM soybeans with healthier oils that do not contain harmful trans fats, added beta carotene to rice prevented blindness in children in developing countries.

GM foods may have some adverse effects like it may introduce allergies, making bacteria resistant to existing antibiotics, and toxic. However, WHO has approved it.GM food could be healthier if it doesn’t contain an allergen having an allergic reaction in the body. It’s up to us to choose or avoid GM foods.  We should choose GM food with well labeling and details. The label in the U.S. contains a symbol, scannable links, test message instructions, phone numbers, and website addresses.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/diet/genetically-modified-foods-overview

https://www.who.int/health-topics/food-genetically-modified#tab=tab_1

Figure

https://english.ckgsb.edu.cn/knowledges/genetically-modified-food-clockwork-tomato/