Written by: Ms. Parissa Barai, Intern, AMA

The foods that we eat today, come from plants and animals that have been grown and bred over thousands of years. Initially, certain species were chosen specifically since they displayed certain desirable characteristics. Through different breeding and growth practices, humans induced necessary improvements in the species by adaptive mutations and natural genetic changes.

With the advent of modern biotechnology and genetic engineering, we can deliberately modify the genetic makeup of organisms and select genes to transfer between species. Foods produced using such genetically modified organisms are called GMFs! Isn’t it wild how our science fiction fantasies are coming to life through progressing innovation?

Like every new invention introduced in the market, GM Foods have stimulated much discussion upon their safety to both the environment and human health. In India, all GMOs are regulated by the MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. They are subject to regulation also by FSSAI (Food and Safety Standards Authority of India) under the Food and Safety Standards Act, 2006.

1. BASICS OF GM FOODS – The Steps Involved                                                                                                                           

Genetic modification involves the transfer of genes from one organism to another. How is this possible? Well, the genetic code or the system by which DNA is organized is universal throughout all organisms. A specific sequence of DNA, called a gene contains information expressed as a certain feature and to make use of that we incorporate it into the genome of a recipient plant.

1) Identification of a gene responsible for a desired trait (e.g. A gene coding for delayed ripening of fruits)

2) Isolation, cloning and modification of the gene

3) Transformation: Transfer of the gene to the host plant cells

4) Selection: Segregation of the cells that are transformed from a culture of transformed and non-transformed cells.

5) Trials and Safety Assessment

2. THE QUESTION OF SAFETY?

GM Foods undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure their safety to human health and the environment.

IMPORTANT: GM Foods cannot be assessed as a single class because their safety concerns vary, depending upon the type of food and the type of modification it has undergone.

Human Health Assessment: GM Foods’ impact on human health is studied by intensively analysing risks for allergenicity, toxicity and also through a detailed compositional analysis by comparing the product with its conventional counterpart grown in the same climate and conditions. Regulatory authorities undertake thorough analysis of the data and the protocols used to ensure the validity of the results.

3. ARE GM FOODS ACTUALLY NEEDED?

For many years, farmers have relied on practices like cross fertilisation and selective breeding which ultimately result in decreased productivity. GM crops are not replacements for traditional methods of farming but rather compliment and enhance the existing yield.

Besides imparting superior nutritional value, GM Foods and Crops are insect/pest resistant (e.g. Bt Cotton is resistant to attack from cotton bollworms) , disease resistant, show herbicide tolerance and have better storage life. Instead of harming the environment, they reduce dependence on pesticides, further reducing fuel consumption and also preserving natural resources like the soil and water runoff from erosion.

4. NUTRITIONAL VALUE

GM Foods are made with the sole objective to produce crops of higher or similar nutritional value.

For example, Biofortified Golden Rice contains increased Vitamin A content. It has been made to produce high amounts of beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, making it highly useful in regions where the deficiency is a public health problem.

In 1997, the first transgenic cow produced human protein-enriched milk. The milk contained ‘human alpha -lactalbumin’ making it a more nutritionally balanced product for babies rather than normal cow milk.

5. INCREASED PRICE ISSUES

In the case of conventional seeds, farmers can save their stock but hybrids need to be replenished every year. The cost of GM Foods is definitely higher but, in a way, it has a positive impact on our country’s under-paid farmers.

Many factors such as the source of technology used and net supply and demand for the product also come into play here thus one cannot clearly justify the price issue.

To conclude, one should definitely support the advent of GM products as it has immense untapped potential that could serve as a boon, not a curse. The scope for innovation and progress is vast and unlimited so we must believe that the sky’s the limit!