Genetically Modified Foods? List of Examples?

Genetically modified organisms are those organisms that have some modification in their genetic material, either by including genes from other species, cutting and eliminating some genes or silencing some sequences. These organisms are employed in the production of food, hormones, antibiotics, and vaccinations, among other things.

What are genetically modified foods?

When genetic material from other species, either plant or animal, is incorporated into the DNA of genetically modified organisms, the term "transgenic" is used. If the organisms are utilised to produce food, transgenic foods are referred to as such. The process by which these organisms are obtained is called genetic engineering and its objective is to take the gene of interest from a plant or animal and introduce it into another animal or plant cell, all by applying a series of laboratory techniques.

Through this process, improved foods can be obtained, with better appearance, more nutritious, with greater resistance to pests, diseases, droughts, increased growth or more production.

Examples of Genetically Modified Foods

The following foods are among the most popular examples of transgenic or genetically modified food:

• Corn: An estimated 85% of the corn cultivated in the United States is genetically modified. This genetically modified corn is produced because it lowers production costs and increases resistance to glyphosate, a herbicide that kills weeds but can also harm crops. This grain is used to make a wide range of different goods.
• Milk: Bovine growth hormone (rBGH) feeding is one method used on some dairy farms to increase milk production in cows. This hormone is a recombinant one that was created via genetic engineering. This is forbidden in nations that are a part of the European Union, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia.
• Soy: Soybeans are one of the main foods produced through genetic engineering throughout the world, particularly in the US and Argentina. A 2010 genetically modified soybean, known for its high oleic acid content and potential to lower "bad" cholesterol.
• Tomato: With its many varieties, the tomato is one of the most popular foods consumed worldwide today. Genetic engineering helps us expand tomato production to meet the growing worldwide demand by producing tomatoes more nutritious and resistant to pests, transportation and storage methods.
• Potato: Another food that is in high demand worldwide and with genetic engineering, its production can be increased or made more resistant and nutritious. Thus, to feed a larger portion of the global population, the same approaches are applied to other food.
• Alfalfa: Since 2011, farmers have been able to apply Roundup to their fields without worrying about it negatively affecting lucerne yield thanks to the development of a genetically modified type of plant.
• Bread: It is the raw ingredients, like wheat or other cereals, that are changed rather than the bread itself. Several businesses carry this out to meet the significant demand for bread worldwide.
• Zucchini and pumpkin: Genetically modified pumpkin and zucchini are grown to increase their resistance to several diseases, among other things.