What are genetically modified foods?
Surely you have heard about genetically modified foods many times, but do you really know what they are and where they come from?
What are genetically modified foods Rita Perez April 7, 2018 No Comments Surely you have heard about genetically modified foods many times, but do you really know what they are and where they come from? What are genetically modified foods? Well, transgenic foods are those that include in their composition some ingredient from an organism into which a gene from another species has been incorporated, through genetic techniques. Thanks to biotechnology, a gene can be transferred from one organism to another to give it some special quality that it lacks. In this way, transgenic plants can resist pests, withstand droughts better, or resist some herbicides better. Although some animal foods with genetic alterations are beginning to be introduced, generally a transgenic food is of plant origin. Some examples are seedless fruits, fruits that ripen later than is natural, fruits that have had their color and flavor modified. You can modify the amount of minerals of some type and even create a hybrid from several different fruits. Benefits and risks Among the possible benefits of genetically modified foods we find: they may be more appetizing and nutritious, growth is faster, they have more appetizing characteristics, etc. But they also have their risks, modified plants and animals that can have unexpected and harmful genetic changes. Furthermore, modified organisms can interbreed with natural organisms and outcompete them. This can lead to extinction of the original organism or other unpredictable environmental effects, among others. Nowadays, manufacturers are required to be transparent towards consumers. All transgenic products or that come from others that have been modified. They must inform this fact on the label. Leaving the decision to purchase the natural or transgenic product to the consumer themselves. The use and health benefits of these foods are still not very clear. They are considered safe, however, there has been no adequate testing to ensure complete safety. Today, some foods such as potatoes, tomatoes, soybeans, corn and pumpkin have been altered.
