Can you imagine crops like corn and wheat growing under extremely cold climates? With new emerging biotechnology, it is definitely possible for that to happen in the future!
Scientists are now working on altering the properties of food which end up on our plate. In fact, you might not realise you have come across with some of them in your daily life. Wait no more and behold the future of food now!
What is genetically modified food?
Genetically modified food or for short, GM food, refers to food that are derived from plants or animals in which their genetic material, DNA, have been manipulated. Hence, carrying genes that do not naturally occur.
Organisms that are produced through genetic engineering have the ability to withstand harsh conditions such as pests, herbicides, diseases and droughts, which in turn, helps to increase productivity as well as reducing the production cost of produce. Additionally, there are crops being genetically modified in terms of their nutritional value, taste, smell and appearance to meet the needs and preferences of consumers.
GM food in Malaysia
In Malaysia, approval from the National Biosafety Board is mandatory if any GM food is to be marketed. According to Ministry of Health Malaysia, GM food or food ingredients that are found in the market required proper labeling, especially when the genes are derived from animal or
substances that cause hypersensitivity. However, there are still some exemptions like refined oil and soy sauce produced using GM corn and soybeans.
Is GM food harmful?
Until today, there’s no evidence showing that GM food has any negative effects on human health. However, controversies surrounding GM food are still being raised as the long-term impact of GM food towards human health as well as the environment are not known just yet.
Despite the arguments regarding GM food, its existence helps in solving problems such as hunger, malnutrition, preservation of food to certain extent. Therefore, it’s best to understand the concept behind GM food and for you to weigh in its pros and cons before you make your decision!
Even though it is uncommon to find GM food in Malaysia, you can still find a number of them out there. So, here’s some examples of GM food that are marketed to consumers.
#1 Corn
There are various types of GM corn nowadays. Although they look similar to a non-genetically modified version, GM corns are developed to enhance its resistance towards pests and pesticides.
#2 AquAdvantage® Salmon
This genetically modified salmon was developed by AquaBounty Technologies. Despite the changing of seasons, this salmon is able to grow faster without affecting its quality. Besides that, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the salmon as the first genetically engineered animal intended for food.
#3 Golden Rice
Instead of a gold hue, Golden Rice is yellow in color and thus you can differentiate it from the white rice you usually eat. As a result of modification, the yellow color observed in Golden Rice was contributed by the presence of beta carotene, a Vitamin A precursor. It is believed that the production of Golden Rice can help in reducing Vitamin A deficiency around the world.
#4 Rainbow papaya
Rainbow papaya from Hawaii is considered as one of the earliest GM foods in the history. It was developed in the 90s to resist ringspot virus that infects papaya trees. Indeed, more than ninety percent of papaya in Hawaii is genetically modified.
Quote: GM food refers to foods that are derived from plants or animals in which their genetic material, dna, have been manipulated.
Sources: Havard University, MedlinePlus, Ministry of Health Malaysia, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, World Health Organization
