Contents:
- Medical Video: GMO Scandal: Why You Should Avoid Genetically Modified Food | Well.Org
- What is genetic engineering food?
- What are some examples of genetically engineered food that have circulated?
- What are the advantages of genetically modified food?
- Are genetically modified foods safe to consume?
- How do you distinguish genetically engineered food from ordinary food?
Medical Video: GMO Scandal: Why You Should Avoid Genetically Modified Food | Well.Org
Maybe you have heard or received a chain message that was heavily distributed on social media about GMOs or genetically modified foods. Genetically engineered food has lately become an issue that many people worry about. The reason is that genetically engineered food is an innovation in the field of agriculture whose security and benefits have not been recognized consensus or universally. To understand the versatility of genetically modified food, see the following information.
What is genetic engineering food?
Food genetic engineering techniques were first developed to address various problems such as food security and climate change. PRG was created through modern biotechnology techniques. PRG has undergone changes or modifications to genes that are not natural (engineered by humans) by crossing or transferring genes from other biological species. This method is also known as GMO.
What are some examples of genetically engineered food that have circulated?
Various types of GMOs that have been available in Indonesia since the late 1990s include soybeans, corn, and sugar cane. Genetically engineered food is imported from countries that have planted and produced their own genetically modified food. Indonesia itself has not succeeded in developing GMO plants. In the whole world, the development of genetically engineered food has been more advanced and is increasingly widespread. The United States is one country that has used transgenic seeds such as corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and papaya.
What are the advantages of genetically modified food?
Problems such as population growth and unstable weather conditions due to climate change pose challenges for human food sources. Every year, demand for staple foods such as corn and rice continues to increase while availability continues to decline due to drought or flooding. So, PRG is designed in such a way as to ensure the availability of superior food. Usually PRG has the following advantages.
- Transgenic plants are more resistant to pests, viruses and diseases
- It does not require a lot of pesticides because the nature of GMO plants has been immune to attacks by viruses or pests
- Transgenic plants are more drought resistant because they only need a few resources such as water and fertilizer
- GMO food has a stronger and tastier taste
- GMO food has richer nutrients
- The growth of GMO plants is faster
- Savings of GMO food are longer (not rotten) so that food supply increases
- Modification of the nature of food so that the results are more in line with needs, for example transgenic potatoes can produce fewer carcinogens when fried
Are genetically modified foods safe to consume?
Although food produced from GMO crops has many advantages, there are still many people who doubt PRG. Doubts about genetically modified foods usually revolve around safety and side effects for humans, including the following.
- Food products from GMO plants have the potential to contain toxic or allergic substances
- Changes in genes that are dangerous, unexpected, or unwanted
- Reduced nutrition or other ingredients due to gene crossing processes
- Transgenic food causes resistance to natural antimicrobials
In fact, PRG and the seeds of transgenic plants that have been circulating in the world are currently regulated and passed food safety tests carried out by each country where the product or biological distribution is distributed. In Indonesia, the responsibility for testing and monitoring GMOs is the Biosafety Clearing House and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency, in accordance with the mandate stated in laws, government regulations, and joint ministerial decrees.
Safety tests carried out included tests of toxicity, allergens, changes in nutritional value related to genetic changes, and substantial equivalence in GMO food. If substances or ingredients that have the potential to endanger health are found, genetically engineered foods will not be given permission to be sold and distributed. This means that PRG that is already available in Indonesia is currently safe for consumption.
How do you distinguish genetically engineered food from ordinary food?
Government Regulation no. 69 of 1999 concerning Labels and Food Advertising obliges producers to include information for PRG products. Because most PRGs are imported products, pay attention to the labels attached to these food products. If the product is affixed with a sticker or label with a 5 digit serial number starting with number 8, then the product is genetically modified food. For processed products, consider compositions that are usually listed on the back of the packaging. There should be information if certain ingredients in the product are from GMO plants. So, you must be really observant when choosing food products.
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