Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods produced from plants that have had changes introduced into their DNA. Foreign genes (genes from other plants or animals) are inserted into the genetic codes of plants. This potentially can create plants that:
• are disease- and drought- resistant
• require fewer pesticides • grow faster • have increased nutritional benefits, e.g. wheat with increased levels of folic acid. A wide variety of GM foods are available in the United States, including tomatoes, potatoes, corn and soya beans. GM foods must undergo strict tests, e.g. allergy tests, prior to being authorised for entry into the European Union market. Under current European Union regulations manufacturers must label any food where GM ingredients make up more than 0.9% of the total ingredients.
At present, food ingredients obtained from six types of GM crops may be found in foods on the European Union market, including:
• soya beans that are resistant to herbicides
• maize (corn) that is resistant to pest attack and/or resistant to herbicides.
In Ireland, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) ensures that the only GM foods available on Irish shelves are those with European Union authorisation and appropriate labelling.
Genetically-modified tomato purée
Did you know
The United States recently approved the genetic modification of potatoes and apples. The potatoes will be genetically modified so that they will not bruise. The apples will be genetically modified so that they will not go brown.
