Genetically modified foods: what it is and how to get it.
Genetically modified or transgenic are called organisms, in the cells of which there are genes, transplanted from other species of plants or animals. This is then done so that the plant can have additional properties, for example, resistance to pests or certain diseases. With the help of this technology it is possible to improve shelf life, yield, taste of plants.
Genetically modified plants are obtained in the laboratory. First, from an animal or plant, the gene required for transplantation is obtained, then it is transplanted into the cell of that plant, which they want to impart with new properties. For example, in the United States, the gene for fish in the northern seas was transplanted into strawberry cells. This was done to increase the resistance of strawberries to frost. All GM plants are tested for food and biological safety.
In Russia production of transgenic products is prohibited, but their sale and importation from abroad is allowed. At our shelves, many products made from genetically modified soybeans are ice cream, cheese, protein products for athletes, dry soy milk and so on. In addition, the import of one variety of GM potatoes and two varieties of maize is allowed.
The more useful and harmful genetically modified products.
The benefits of products are obvious - it is providing the population of our planet with agricultural products. The population of the Earth is constantly growing, and the sown areas not only do not increase, but often decrease. Genetically modified agricultural crops allow, without increasing the area, to increase yields severalfold. Growing such products is easier, so their cost is less.
Despite the many opponents, the harm of products is not confirmed by any serious research. In contrast, GM foods allow after some time to get rid of the various pesticides that are used in growing many agricultural plants. The result is a decrease in the number of chronic diseases (especially allergic), immunity disorders and so on.
But biologists do not deny the fact that no one knows how the use of GM foods will affect the health of future generations. The first results will be known only after several decades, this experiment can only spend time.
Genetically modified products that are present in our stores.
More often than others in the store there are genetically modified products from corn, potatoes, rape, soy. Besides them, there are fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and some other products. GM plants can be found in mayonnaise, margarine, sweets, confectionery and bakery products, vegetable oil, baby food, sausages.
These products are no different from the usual ones, but they are cheaper. And in their sale there would be nothing wrong if on the packaging the manufacturer indicated that it was genetically modified products. A man could decide what to buy: GM products are cheaper, or the usual more expensive. And, despite the fact that such marking is mandatory (if the GM content of products is from 0, 9% of the total volume of the goods) for sanitary and hygienic requirements in our country, it is not always present.
The main supplier of GM products to our country is the United States, where there is no restriction on their production and sale. Genetically modified organisms and plants use such large companies as Coca-Cola (sweet fizzy drinks), Danone (baby food, dairy products), Nestle (baby food, coffee, chocolate), Similak (baby food), Hershis ( soft drinks, chocolate), McDonald's (fast food restaurants) and others.
Studies have found that eating GM foods does not directly harm the human body, however, this fact has not yet been confirmed by time.