In the United States, genetically engineered food crops (plant products) have been grown, processed and sold since the early 90s. However, studies have shown that these foods may not be part of a healthy diet, as some contain unrecognized toxins. Genetically modified foods may also pose an allergen threat, since their protein compositions are not fully understood.
Although genetically engineered animal products haven't yet been commercially produced and sold, recent reports suggest that genetically modified fish may be available soon. Learn about these foods, and their possible involvement in a healthy diet.
Proponents of genetically modified foods argue that animals and crops have been "genetically modified" for thousands of years, due to domestication and selective breeding. In actuality, however, these naturally bred species aren't the focus of concern. Actual genetic modification is conducted in a lab by one of two processes:
The first genetically engineered food produced and sold to the public was the Flavr Savr tomato, a tomato with an extended shelf life developed by Calgene®, a subsidiary of Monsanto®. The company gained FDA approval to release the tomato in 1994 without any identifying label, since these labels weren't required at the time.
The tomato wasn't profitable, but since then, many other commercial crops have been subjected to genetic modification, including:
Testing hasn't been extensively conducted on these products, since it's easier to test individual chemicals and additives than it is to test an entire living organism with a complex chemical composition. As a result, the effects of these genetically modified foods on human health (especially the long term effects)--and their role in a healthy diet--aren't yet fully understood.
While genetically modified foods may be part of a healthy diet, research on the subject is scarce. Genetically modified crops are designed with the producer in mind, not the consumer. Genetic alterations mainly aim to increase harvest yields, protect crops from insect pests and increase durability during shipping.
All of these are effective means of increasing corporate profits, with consumer health as a secondary priority. Until further research is conducted, purchase genetically modified foods at your own risk. As an alternative, complement a healthy diet with naturally grown foods, which have far fewer associated health concerns.
Pusztai, A. (2001). Genetically modified foods: Are they a risk to human/animal health? Retrieved September 21, 2010, from http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/pusztai.html
University of Maryland Medical Center. (2008). Genetically engineered food: An overview. Retrieved September 21, 2010, from http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002432.htm