While Genetically Modified (GM)
foods are designed to be healthier
and cheaper to produce, experts have
said that genetic modification is not
without consequences. GM foods
are foods derived from organisms
whose genetic material (DNA) has
been modified in a way that does
not occur naturally. GM foods are
produced through the introduction
of a gene from a different organism.
Assistant Chief Dietitian,
Ajeromi General Hospital, Ajegunle,
Olusola Malomo told me that
scientists take the gene for a desired
trait (flavour, texture, colour, early
maturation, greater yield) in one
plant or animal, and they insert that
gene into a cell of another plant or
animal.
“The technology is often called
“modern biotechnology” or “gene
technology”, sometimes also
“recombinant DNA technology”
or “genetic engineering”, Malomo
added. He disclosed that most
existing GM crops have been
developed to improve yield through
the introduction of resistance
to plant diseases or of increased
tolerance of herbicides, adding
that “GM foods can also allow for
reductions in food prices through
improved yields, disease resistance
and reliability.”
The dietitian however disclosed
that GM foods are designed to be
healthier and cheaper to produce,
but genetic modification is not
without consequences, adding that
one of the problems identified with
selective breeding is that it can also
result in traits that are not desired.
“The pros of GM crops are that they
may contain more nutrients, are
grown with fewer pesticides, and
are usually cheaper than their non-
GMO counterparts. The cons of
GMO foods are that they may cause
allergic reactions because of their
altered DNA and they may increase
antibiotic resistances.”
The results of most studies with
GM foods indicate that they may
cause some common toxic effects
such as hepatic, pancreatic, renal, or
reproductive effects and may alter
the hematological, biochemical, and
immunologic parameter. But the
US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) however said these concerns
have proven to be unfounded,” he
explained.
In the same vein, a farmer who
is into organic farming, Mr Deji
Oladipo in chat, said that globally,
there have been controversies
around genetic modified foods as
studies have shown that countries
that promote these foods have high
prevalence rate of cancer. Bringing
such foods to Nigeria, a country that
does not have a good health system,
would only lead to more harm than
good, Oladipo added.
He said, “This genetic modified
foods we are talking about are being
manufactured by big companies
abroad. They are finding a way to
sell their products to third world
countries like Nigeria. This is a big
concern for me because remember
that nutrition is the backbone of
health. We now find ourselves where
genetic modified foods find their way
into the country. I can assure you
that in the next five years, we will
start noticing an increase at which
people are coming down with cancer
and other deadly diseases.”