As genetically modified (GM) foods are starting to intrude in our diet concerns have been expressed regarding GM food safety. These concerns as well as the limitations of the procedures followed in the evaluation of their safety are presented. Animal toxicity studies with certain GM foods have shown that they may toxically affect several organs and systems. The review of these studies should not be conducted separately for each GM food, but according to the effects exerted on certain organs it may help us create a better picture of the possible health effects on human beings.
The results of most studies with GM foods indicate that they may cause some common toxic effects such as hepatic, pancreatic, renal, or reproductive effects and may alter the hematological, biochemical, and immunologic parameters. However, many years of research with animals and clinical trials are required for this assessment. Have a look at the most dangerous genetically modified foods:
Corn- It has been tailored to make own insecticide and the U.S. FDA has affirmed that loads of genetically altered corns are introduced for consumption by humans already. Moreover, Monsanto has told that almost 50 percent of the US’ sweet corn farms are sowed with seeds that are genetically modified. During a test about effects of GM corn on mice, it was found that they had fertility problems and problems in procreating.
Soy- It is also modified genetically to defy herbicides. Soy creations such as soy flour, soybean oil tofu, beverages, etc. are used in abundance in many parts of the world. In a study, Hamsters that were given GM soy were incapable to produce offspring and also experienced elevated mortality rate.
Papaya- The anti-virus range of papaya was commercially brought in Hawaii in 1999 and now, the transgenic papayas cover 3/4th of whole Hawaiian papaya crop. Monsanto presented the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University based in Coimbatore, India, a technology to grow papayas that are anti- ringspot virus.
Cotton- This too was designed to oppose pesticides and cotton is a food as the oil from cotton is safe to consume. Its usage in agriculture in China has created one chemical that destroys cotton bollworm and reduced the prevalence of pests in nearby soybeans as well as corn fields that were apart from its own cotton crops. In India, several thousand farmers underwent harsh rashes when exposed near the BT cotton.
Rice- It is a staple food of South Eastern Asia and is modified genetically to hold higher vitamin A amount. According to some reports, there are several rice varieties growing in the United States that have human genes- which will make human proteins helpful in curbing diarrhea in infants in the developing nations. China Daily is an online periodical that reported possible public health as well as serious environment problems related to genetically modified rice due to its affinity to create allergic reactions along with likelihood of transfer of genes.
Tomatoes- They are being genetically engineered to have an extended shelf life by saving them from rotting easily. In an examination about GM tomatoes’ safety, a few animals lost life within a few days after eating them.
Rapeseed- It is called ‘canola’ In Canada to make it different from the non edible rapeseed. Some of the foodstuff made from it comprises of rapeseed oil (canola oil) along with margarine and even Honey. German food inspection authorities revealed that almost 1/3rd of whole pollen in the Canadian honey could be potentially from the GM pollen.
Dairy products- Studies show that 22% cows in the whole of U.S. are injected with Monsanto created hormone known as genetically altered bovine growth hormone. It unnaturally forces the cows to boost their production of milk by as much as 15%. And the natural cow milk mixed along with the milk inducing hormone has higher IGF-1 levels. The insulin growth factor-1 is also present in human system. Scientists’ concerns are that these enlarged levels of the IGF-1 in humans can create breast as well as colon cancer.
Potatoes- It has been found that mice supplied with potatoes genetically engineered by means of Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki Cry 1 showed contaminants in their own system. This notion, even after several false claims, showed that it had several health risks attached to it, which further ignited a discussion.
Peas- Genetically modified peas cause negative immune reactions in mice and also in humans. A kidney beans gene was put in the peas to make a protein which works just like a pesticide.