Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified foods (GM foods or GMO foods) are foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques. Other techniques by which humans modify food organisms include selective breeding; plant breeding, and animal breeding.

GM foods were first put on the market in 1996. Typically, genetically modified foods are transgenic plant products: soybean, corn, canola, rice, and cotton seed oil. In 2006 a pig was controversially engineered to produce omega-3 fatty acids through the expression of a roundworm gene. Researchers have also developed a genetically-modified breed of pigs that are able to absorb plant phosphorus more efficiently, and as a consequence the phosphorus content of their manure is reduced by as much as 60%.

Critics have objected to GM foods on several grounds, including safety issues, ecological concerns, and economic concerns raised by the fact these organisms are subject to intellectual property law.

MethodGenetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes. In the process of cisgenesis, genes are artificially transferred between organisms that could be conventionally bred. In the process of transgenesis, genes from a different species are inserted, which is a form of horizontal gene transfer.

Between 1997 and 2010, the total surface area of land cultivated with GMOs had increased by a factor of 87, from 17,000 km2 (4.2 million acres) to 1,480,000 km2 (365 million acres). 10% of the world's crop lands were planted with GM crops in 2010.

Although most GM crops are grown in North America, in recent years there has been rapid growth in the area sown in developing countries. A total of 29 countries worldwide grew GM crops in 2010 by approximately 15.4 million farmers. In 2010, 48% of GM crops grown worldwide were grown in developing countries.

In 2010, countries that grew the most transgenic crops were: United States (45%), Brazil (17%), Argentina (15%), India (6%), Canada (6%), China (2%), Paraguay (2%), Pakistan (2%), South Africa (1%) Uruguay (1%). The Grocery Manufacturers of America estimated in 2003 that 75% of all processed foods in the U.S. contain a GM ingredient. The United States and Canada do not require labeling of genetically modified foods. While it is evident that there is a food supply issue, the question is whether GM can solve world hunger problems, or even if that would be the best way to address the issue. Several scientists argue that in order to meet the demand for food in the developing world, a second Green Revolution with increased use of GM crops is needed. Others argue that there is more than enough food in the world and that the hunger crisis is caused by problems in food distribution and politics, not production.

List of Countries that have or are Banning Genetically Modified Foods

1. Austria and Hungary: Have national bans on growing any genetically modified crops even though only one particular crop is widely used in the European Union.

2. Poland: allows cultivating GMOs only in laboratories and bans GMO trade; it also opposes cultivation of genetically modified foods.

3. Germany: banned however Monsanto would consider legal options with the goal of enabling GMO seeds to be planted for this year’s harvest.

4. Ireland: will ban growing of GM crops, and a voluntary GM-free label can be placed on all animal products–such as meat, poultry, eggs, fish, crustaceans, and dairy–that are raised with GM-free feed

5. Sri Lanka: banned the importation of genetically modified foods, preservatives and additives.

6. Switzerland: banned

7. Greece: extended a ban on a strain of genetically modified corn produced by U.S. agriculture biotechnology company Monsanto for another two years.

8. France: banned GMO maize in February 2008, invoking a so-called safeguard clause because of “serious risks for the environment.”

9. Italy: The four regions Tuscany, Molise, Lazio and Marche and around 25 provinces, cities and communes banned GE crops, including Rome, Milan, Turin, Brescia and Genoa.

10. Romania: Intends to join six other European Union members in banning the only genetically modified crop approved for use in the bloc.

11. Portugal: Has two regions (the Algarve region and the Madeira islands) have declared themselves GMO-free. Additionally, 27 municipalities all over Portugal have passed GMO-free declarations