Experts Tout Benefits of Genetically Modified Foods at International Symposium
Scientists and scholars at a recent symposium touted the benefits of genetically modified foods but recommended a food traceability system as a way to ease the public’s concerns over biotechnology and genetically modified foods (Experts tout Benefits of GM Foods, suggest New Labeling System, CheckBiotech, 9/22/05).
The panel of scholars and scientists from various parts of the world participated in the International Symposium for the Risk Management of Genetically Modified Organisms in Taiwan on September 21, 2005. During the symposium, the panel strongly advocated the often controversial of genetic modification and maintained that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) offer an effective way to produce better and more food to feed the world’s rapidly growing population.
Genetically modified organisms are organisms in which the genetic material – the DNA – has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. Typically, genes are added to a plant’s DNA, which can produce proteins that add beneficial traits, such as herbicide tolerance or insect resistance, to the crop.
In many countries, genetically modified foods are grown in abundance. For example, in the symposium’s host city of Taiwan, genetically modified foods include papayas, soybeans, and tomatoes and currently, biotechnologists in that country are working on developing genetically modified bananas, watermelons, broccoli, and potatoes. Scientists in Taiwan are also looking into ways to genetically modify animals, including pigs, cattle, and various types of fish.
Symposium members stated that the development and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has become a global trend. GMOs do not violate the laws of nature, but are rather a means for protecting the environment because genetically modified products can reduce the use of herbicide and pesticides and therefore protect the environment from harmful chemicals, according to Dr. Allan McHughen, a professor from the University of California, Riverside and a participant in the symposium.
However, with the dramatic growth of the biotechnology and GMO industry in recent years, many people remain concerned about biotechnology and genetically modified products. Opponents of genetically modified foods claim that the process is dangerous and hazardous. According to the article, opponents claim that risks from these foods include the creation of mutant “superweeds” and “superpests”, an imbalance in nature, and a further widening of the disparity between rich and poor countries, as these nations may be unable to afford such technology. Opponents also say that by mixing genes from different foods, a risk of unknown food allergies may increase.
Participants in the symposium say that scientists and researchers need to do a better job communicating to the people in their countries about the benefits and the usefulness of this technology. Some suggested the need for a labeling system. In Taiwan, for example, a food traceability system is being piloted at eleven supermarkets in Taipei by the end of 2005. The system would allow consumers to scan bar code labels from which the consumer can learn the history of the product.
The benefits of genetically modified foods are great. As stated many times before, genetically modified foods can help feed an increasing population and make food resistant to harmful chemicals. Opposition to these products is still prevalent, but a traceability system may address these oppositions. Personally, I would not like to see a labeling system for genetically modified foods since so many products that have been genetically modified are already on the shelves and have been for a number of years. However, a system such as the one being piloted in Taiwan may catch on in other countries and could lead to greater acceptance of the genetically modified foods in society.
