Genetically Modified Foods
What is Genetic Modification?
Individual characteristics of plants such as height, flower colour and leaf shape are determined by "genes" which are present in every cell that makes up a plant. In nature the genes of two parent plants mix up during pollination to produce offspring containing some genes from each parent.
Historically man has selectively bred food plants to produce bigger and better crops. This was achieved by deliberately cross-pollinating plants with desirable features.
Genetic modification (GM ) takes selective breeding a step further. Scientists are learning how to identify genes and recognise which genes control the development of which characteristics. They are now able to breed offspring by transplanting the desirable genes from one plant to another.
Why Genetically Modify Plants?
By genetically modifying plants in the laboratory it is possible to have stricter control over the genes. In nature all the genetic material from the parent plants is mixed. With GM the desirable genes can be separated from the undesirable genes.
It is also quicker and cheaper to breed by GM as the desired offspring can be produced in one generation. In nature recessive genes often "skip" several generations.
It is also possible by GM to cross species that would not breed together naturally.
The characteristics that can be enhanced with GM plants include:
-
Improved yields;
-
More resistance to disease;
-
Less likely to be damaged by insects;
-
Tolerance to herbicides (meaning weedkiller can be sprayed to kill all plants but the main crop);
-
Better nutritional value;
-
Better climatic survival by increasing tolerance to drought, flood or frosty conditions to allow the use of previously inhospitable land;
-
Increased shelf life.
What are the Advantages of GM Crops?
By enhancing the characteristics of food crops it is theoretically possible to feed an increasing world population at a reduced environmental cost.
What are the Disadvantages?
There are concerns that GM crops could "escape" from their fields and growing more vigorously than other crops and wild plants.
It has been suggested that GM plants could breed with other plants producing uncontrollable "weed" species with herbicide resistance.
Concerns have been expressed that eating GM food could cause health problems in humans, including the development of harmful anti-biotic resistant microorganisms.
What controls are there?
There is a comprehensive framework of United Kingdom committees that regulate and provide advice on both safety and other issues concerning GM crops and food.
Consent is required before GM crops are planted.
Food produced from GM crops is put through rigorous safety checks before being approved for human consumption.
There are strict labelling requirements for GM food and food containing GM ingredients.
Legislation and controls are being introduced and updated as required to keep pace with developments in technology.
What is the Council's Involvement?
Environmental Health Officer's give guidance on and enforce the requirements of the Food Safety Act 1990.
The Act gives powers to control the production or sale of unsafe food. However at present strict controls on crop growth and food production are all dealt with at a national level.
The Act also specifies labelling requirements. It is very important that at a local level we ensure that any GM foods or ingredients are properly labelled so that purchasers can make an informed choice.