GM Plants “No Threat to Human Health”, According to Scientists
Fear that genetically modified foods containing genes that make them “immune” to antibiotics would increase the resistance of antibiotics in humans is unfounded, according to researchers (“No Risk to Human Health” from GM Crop Drug Resistance, Science and Development Network, 9/29/05).
Known by critics of biotechnology as “Frankenfoods”, genetically modified (GM) foods have been eyed as a potential risk to human health because they contain certain antibiotic resistance genes. These genes, often referred to as “markers”, are used to prepare genetically modified crops. In plant technology, antibiotic-resistance marker genes are coupled with a new desirable gene and the package is then injected into the plant’s cells. The marker gene is used to help track the successful (or failed) introduction of the new desirable gene, which is designed to boost the plant’s defenses against environmental threats, the researchers explained in their findings in the October 2005 issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Critics of genetically modified foods are concerned that if these genetic markers “leak out” of the genetically modified plants and are absorbed by bacteria, they could create mutated resistant microbes.
Researchers Philippe Gay, a retired scientist and former head of technology and support at Novartis Seeds, and Stephen Gillespie, Ph.D., professor of medical microbiology at University College London, United Kingdom, reported in their findings that there is no evidence to indicate that these markers pose any significant risk as it would be difficult for the resistant genes to jump from genetically modified plants to bacteria.
First, the researchers said, once the plant cells come into contact with the bacteria, the plant’s DNA must be intact. Then, the plant’s DNA fragments that contain the resistance genes would have to physically meet up with the bacteria, and be integrated into the bacteria’s own DNA in such a way that the genes can function. According to the researchers, the probability of all these conditions being met is very small. They conclude that if the transfer were to happen at all, its effect would be insignificant compared with the resistance that arises through inappropriate medical prescriptions of antibiotics and from hospital environments.
However, the report adds that despite this conclusion, alternative genetic markers should be developed as a precautionary measure.
People are concerned with their health and with the foods they eat, practically on a daily basis. By showing that plants modified genetically have tremendous potential to improve human nutrition and that there is little, if any, risk to human health, this report is an important step toward showing the benefits of genetically modified foods.
