Potential Adverse Health Effects of Genetically Modified Crops

Abstract

Genetically modified crops have the potential to eliminate hunger and starvation in millions of people, especially in developing countries because the genetic modification can produce large amounts of foods that are more nutritious. Large quantities are produced because genetically modified crops are more resistant to pests and drought. They also contain greater amounts of nutrients, such as proteins and vitamins. However, there are concerns about the safety of genetically modified crops. The concerns are that they may contain allergenic substances due to introduction of new genes into crops. Another concern is that genetic engineering often involves the use of antibiotic-resistance genes as "selectable markers" and this could lead to production of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains that are resistant to available antibiotics. This would create a serious public health problem. The genetically modified crops might contain other toxic substances (such as enhanced amounts of heavy metals) and the crops might not be "substantially equivalent" in genome, proteome, and metabolome compared with unmodified crops. Another concern is that genetically modified crops may be less nutritious; for example, they might contain lower amounts of phytoestrogens, which protect against heart disease and cancer. The review of available literature indicates that the genetically modified crops available in the market that are intended for human consumption are generally safe; their consumption is not associated with serious health problems. However, because of potential for exposure of a large segment of human population to genetically modified foods, more research is needed to ensure that the genetically modified foods are safe for human consumption.

Insect-resistant transgenic crops: retrospect and challenges

“…Various in vitro and in vivo experiments conducted have proven it safe (Bakshi et al, 2003). Earlier, Ciba-Geigy (Novartis) Bt corn was rejected by the European Union based on the assumption that the bla gene (the marker gene used) can make animals resistant to β-lactam antibiotics (D' Agnolo, 2005).…”

“…Organic agriculture supporters and activist journalists (anti-GMO campaigners) claim that transgenic crops are understudied and whatever studies that have been conducted came from seed companies who are producing GMOs. The fate of Bt protein in the soil, vertical and horizontal gene flow, effects on nontarget insects, antibiotic resistance, and some other unintended effects of transgenic crops have been highlighted in electronic and print media time and again (Bakshi, 2003;Séralini et al, 2007). There must be a pure scientific approach to evaluate the risks of insectresistant crops for human health and the environment.…”

Soybean in the European Union, Status and Perspective

“…For several years now, important scientific conceptual and practical works have indeed been developed in several EU-MS along with reports from national committees in charge of GMO approvals (ACRE, 2004;Breckling and Reuter, 2006;Garcia-Alonso et al, 2006;Graef et al, 2005;Monkemeyer et al, 2006;Wilhelm et al, 2009;Wolt et al, 2010;Zughart et al, 2008). Most of these scientific works focused on environmental effects, while the effects on human health are roughly "delegated" by the consent holders to national health monitoring networks (Bakshi, 2003;Cellini et al, 2004;Covelli and Hohots, 2003;D'Agnolo, 2005;EFSA GMO panel, 2006b;Filip et al, 2004;Hepburn et al, 2008;Wal et al, 2003). To provide an example of EU-MS, in France, the "Sentinelles" network, ANSES 9 , and InVS 10 might form parts of such a general surveillance plan on human health in application of the WHO and European rules, directives, and regulations.…”

Perception towards genetically modified crops of the local farmers in Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines: a basis for an intervention program on GM crops

“…One study demonstrated that Brazil-nut gene spliced into soybeans could induce potentially fatal allergies in humans allergic to Brazil nuts [10]. Additionally, foods and crops that have been introduced with antibiotic resistant genes might produce detrimental effects in the sense that consumption of these GM crops might reduce the efficiency of antibiotics to fight bacterial diseases; antibiotic resistant genes generate enzymes that degrade antibiotics and that antibiotic resistant genes might be transmitted to human pathogens, making them resistant to antibiotics [11]. In contrast to the increase in nutritional value of some GM crops, other literature suggests that there is also a reduction of concentration of certain compounds [12] such as in the case of soybeans that have lower level of phytoestrogen compounds known to have protective effect against heart disease and cancer as compared to the usual strain [13].…”