August 16, 2007
UNIT 3: GeneticsFrankenfoods or Good Nutrition? GMOs Created but Not Well Regulated
Combining genes from different organisms is known as recombinant DNA technology. The resulting organism said to be "genetically modified," "genetically engineered," or "transgenic." Genetically modified (GM) products include medicines and vaccines, foods and food ingredients, and animal feeds. Since 1996, GM corn and soy have been used in our foods. However, Yves Tiberghien, a political scientist specializing in global regulation for technology and trade at the University of British Columbia, thinks that regulations haven’t kept pace with the rate at which genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have come to market.
After a typical trip through the grocery store, the cart will have a significant number of items containing GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Almost all processed foods contain corn syrup, corn starch or soy lecithin, all of which can come from GMOs. More GMOs are coming to market all the time. After 11 years of using genetically engineered corn and soy, just what is their long-term impact on health and on the environment?
Although studies conducted on GMOs have found no negative effects, most of the testing is done by the companies making the organisms and seeking approval from regulatory agencies to market them. Testing is rarely, if ever, done by independent researchers. Governments did not initially set strict measures for independent testing and mandatory labeling. According to Tiberghien, the regulatory process is “essentially dominated by industry, the bureaucratic elite and scientific experts without citizens’ participation.”
However, citizens have questioned the safety of GMOs and pushed for mandatory labeling, so they can make informed choices. Polls show that 85% of people in British Columbia and Quebec support mandatory labeling of GMOs. The European Union and Japan set stricter guidelines for testing an labeling of foods that contain GMOs after citizens banded together and spoke out.
The United States and other countries, including Canada, have not yet applied the same measures as the European Union has. Tiberghien hopes for a more democratic GMO regulatory and approval process in the future, so everyone can benefit from the best food without fearing that safety has been left behind.