ABC.com | October 15, 1999 | Michael Guillen on ABCNEWS
Scientists are creating genetically modified foods that taste better, stay fresher longer and are more resistant to pests. And we're eating them.
But are they safe?
HARD TO AVOID
Genetically modified foods have been widely consumed in the United States since 1996. They're almost impossible to avoid: a third of all U.S. corn is genetically modified, as is half of all cotton and half of all soybeans.
Soy protein can be found in 60 percent of all processed foods, from frozen dinners to baby food to yogurt. As for corn - aside from corn chips, tortillas and corn starch - it also makes up the high fructose sweeteners used in fruit drinks and "natural" sodas. The more corn or soy, the more likely it's been genetically modified. The meat you eat probably contains genetically modified components, as does milk.
Everything from tofu hot dogs to soy milk to vegetarian meat alternative (all made from a soy base), probably have genetically modified ingredients in them.
WHY MESS WITH GENES?
Foods are genetically modified to resist disease, weed killers, drought and insects, by adding desirable genes from other plants. The other purpose is to add genes that boost nutritional value, flavor, color, shape, texture, etc. Examples include corn and cotton with built-in pesticides, tomatoes given genes to help retain a fresh-picked texture, wheat with extra gluten for lighter bread, even tomatoes with an anti-freezing gene from the winter flounder.
In the works are beans and grains with higher levels of protein, potatoes with more starch, coffee beans that grow caffeine-free on the vine, strawberries with less sugar and tomatoes with more solid flesh and less pulp.
Proponents say that genetically modified foods reduce pesticide use, erosion and water pollution. They can also increase crop yields.
POTENTIAL DANGERS
Allergies: The protein added in genetically modifying foods sometimes come from something completely unrelated, which could put allergy sufferers at potential risk.
Since 1992, the Food and Drug Administration has required testing for all foods made with genes taken from eggs, milk, wheat, shellfish, legumes and nuts, which account for about 90 percent of American food allergies. While the FDA mandates that warning be put on foods modified with these genes, it's tough to police and some worry it could fall in the cracks.
Decreased nutrition: Introduced genes may change nutritional value of foods.
Environmental problems: Genetic modification could spill over into insects and other plants, making them resistant to pesticides and herbicides. The Environmental Protection Agency has been criticized that they haven't detailed to crop developers what should be done to ensure the environmental stays safe.
SHOPPING AMID OPINIONS
If you're out shopping, the only foods you can be assured aren't genetically untouched are those labeled organic; "natural" doesn't mean anything.
The primary suspects in ingredients are soybeans, corn, canola, cotton and dairy - unless it expressly says the ingredients are organic.
In Europe, a recent poll said 40 percent of people didn't trust scientists over genetically modified foods. A new survey shows that genetically modified food has become the No. 1 food safety issue, with 50 percent of the public rating it their most pressing concern. Prince Charles and Paul McCartney have come out against genetically modified food. The European Union has introduced mildly restrictive labeling requirements. The pope has warned people of the ethical implications. In the United Kingdom, 1,300 schools have banned genetically modified food from their cafeterias.
Tests done by Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports, detected genetically modified ingredients in baby food and infant formula. In response, Gerber and H.J. Heinz announced they would shun such ingredients, though they deny there's any danger.
