GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
Genetically modified foods (or GM foods) are foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering.
Gene technology, sometimes referred to as genetic engineering, is faster than traditional breeding and provides ways of introducing very precise changes to genetic material resulting in the expression of desirable traits. These changes may involve the transfer of properties of a single gene from one organism to another. For instance, some genes may produce herbicide or insect resistance, or improve crop yields, and these can be transferred into food crops such as corn or canola. Labelling Genetically Modified Foods GM foods, ingredients, additives, or processing aids that contain novel DNA or protein must be labelled with the words ‘genetically modified’. Novel DNA or protein is defined in the Food Standards Code as DNA or a protein which, as a result of the use of gene technology, is different in chemical sequence or structure from DNA or protein present in counterpart food, which has not been produced using gene technology. Labelling is also required when genetic modification results in an altered characteristic in a food, e.g. soy beans with changed nutritional characteristics such as an increase in their oleic acid content. Examples of crops that have been genetically modified Some foods include ingredients (for example, soy beans) that have been genetically modified (GM), or are made using ingredients derived from GM organisms (for example, GM yeast). GM ingredients come from organisms that have had their genetic material altered using non-traditional breeding methods known as gene technology. The GM crops grown in Australia with approval from the relevant authorities are canola (also known as oilseed rape) and cotton. GM canola grown in Australia is resistant to certain types of herbicide. GM cotton has been modified to be resistant to certain types of cotton pests. In other countries, several other GM crops with a wide range of new properties are being grown. New GM varieties are also currently being developed and tested national and internationally. For example, in Australia, GM crops are being developed to be able to withstand drought. |
Food Technology 2 (textbook) |