What is a genetically modified food?
GMFs come from creatures with changed genes that have acquired features not found in natural selection. Since 1994, most supermarkets have sold genetically modified fruits and vegetables. Introducing a gene from another creature changes the genetic code of a fruit, vegetable, or mammal.
The US Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Agriculture regulate GMOs to assure safety.
Deconstructing Genetically Modified Food
GMO advocates tout better agricultural yields. Genetically engineered fruits and vegetables increase disease and insect resistance. Other modifications make fruits and vegetables pesticide- and herbicide-resistant.
The “green revolution” of the 20th century was mainly due to plants that could grow better in low-rainfall settings. In 1970, Norman Borlaug received the Nobel Peace Prize for inventing a resilient wheat variety that significantly increased wheat yields in Mexico, India, and Pakistan in the 1950s and 1960s.
Criticism of GMF
Critics say GM foods should be labeled differently. Consumer and environmental health effects are unknown, they say. GMOs may eliminate traditional fruits and vegetables. This might harm animals, insects, and other species that depend on those plants. Critics also worry that GMO genes may cross-fertilize with traditional crops or end up in consumers.
Several nations have passed or proposed food-GMO laws. Some have outright banned them. Over half of the 28 EU countries—including Germany and France—ban farmers from cultivating GMO crops, yet they may import GMF animal feed. Although Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have joined the anti-GMF campaign, the UK has no GMF ban.
Europe has only approved and farmed one GM crop: European corn borer-resistant maize. Spanish farmers, plagued by weevils, are the only ones growing maize. Map showing nations with full, partial, or no GMF limitations
