The Negative Consequences of Genetically Modified Food
The Negative Consequences of Genetically Modified Food
Genetically modified foods (GM foods, or biotech foods) are hazardous to your health. These foods are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), specifically, genetically modified crops. GMOs have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques. Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are created when a gene from one species is transferred to another, creating something that would not be found in nature. GMOs are present in almost sixty percent of all processed foods including vegetable oil, Soya flour, lecithin, and Soya proteins. GMO maize products make up approximately fifty percent of processed foods including corn, cornstarch, and corn syrups. Beets, sugar, dairy products, and soybeans are also produced through genetic engineering. The six major GMO crops are Soy, Corn, Canola, Cotton, sugar beets and alfalfa.
Have you ever wondered what may be causing the food allergies you or your children have? It is most likely due to GMOs. By drawing out proteins from foods and modifying other foods with them, there is a much greater chance of cross contamination of allergens. Without proper identification, this could be devastating if not deadly for those with serious food allergies. For example, a person that is allergic to peanuts (common allergen) may be also allergic to tomatoes that have had the peanut protein injected into them. Without knowing, the person may eat the tomato and have an allergic reaction to it not realizing that the tomato was genetically modified. So now, there will be more people that can develop allergies to tomatoes. Children, especially under the age of two, are more prone to develop allergies to GMO foods because they have the greatest number of reactions to new allergens in foods. They are particularly vulnerable to GM corn, which contains an allergen not found in natural varieties. Over the last several years, the greatest rise in food
Genetically modified foods (GM foods, or biotech foods) are hazardous to your health. These foods are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), specifically, genetically modified crops. GMOs have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques. Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are created when a gene from one species is transferred to another, creating something that would not be found in nature. GMOs are present in almost sixty percent of all processed foods including vegetable oil, Soya flour, lecithin, and Soya proteins. GMO maize products make up approximately fifty percent of processed foods including corn, cornstarch, and corn syrups. Beets, sugar, dairy products, and soybeans are also produced through genetic engineering. The six major GMO crops are Soy, Corn, Canola, Cotton, sugar beets and alfalfa.
Have you ever wondered what may be causing the food allergies you or your children have? It is most likely due to GMOs. By drawing out proteins from foods and modifying other foods with them, there is a much greater chance of cross contamination of allergens. Without proper identification, this could be devastating if not deadly for those with serious food allergies. For example, a person that is allergic to peanuts (common allergen) may be also allergic to tomatoes that have had the peanut protein injected into them. Without knowing, the person may eat the tomato and have an allergic reaction to it not realizing that the tomato was genetically modified. So now, there will be more people that can develop allergies to tomatoes. Children, especially under the age of two, are more prone to develop allergies to GMO foods because they have the greatest number of reactions to new allergens in foods. They are particularly vulnerable to GM corn, which contains an allergen not found in natural varieties. Over the last several years, the greatest rise in food
Cited: Audet, M. (2013). Genetically Modified Food and Risks to Human Health. Retrieved from http://organic.lovetoknow.com/natural-organic-food/genetically-modified-food-risks- human-health Smith, J.M. (2003). Genetically Engineered Foods Pose Health Risk to Children. Retrieved from http://www.saynotogmos.org/uoct03a.htm (1) Smith, J.M. (2007). Spilling the Beans. Newsletter. Retrieved from http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-dangers/health-risks/articles-aboutrisks-by-jeffrey-smith/Genetically-Engineered-Foods-May-Cause-Rising-Food-Allergies-Genetically-Engineered-Soybeans-May- (2) Mercola, Dr. (2012). Decade-Long Feeding Study Reveals Significant Health Hazards of Genetically Engineered Foods. Retrieved from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/07/genetically- engineered-foods-hazards.aspx (3) Brown, P. and Oliver, M. (2003). Monsanto to Quit Europe. Retrieved from http://www.saynotogmos.org/uoct03b.htm#mquits